I wanted to use the new logo here, but wasn't sure if this usage would fall under "fair use" and don't feel like being sued. Never had to say that before on this platform.

I just read the trending post by @steemitblog about the new logo and its accompanying intellectual property restrictions.

As a user who enjoyed creatively incorporating the logo into my work, and enjoyed seeing others do the same to spread the Steemit/Steem gospel, I'm pretty discouraged by Steemit.com's decision to put state violence-backed restrictions on its use. (I'm also disappointed by the disturbing green, but that's a secondary gripe, I suppose.)

I left the following comment on the post:

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Re: New Logo Copyright

Really too bad to see that I am now directed as to how I may or may not use my own property (computer, flash drives, etc) in whatever fashion I so please, but that is the sad reality of non-consensual IP laws backed by state violence/threat of violence/force.

I understand that this move is necessary, though, to compete in the business world as it is today, perhaps, and do hope to see Steemit.com achieve mainstream success.

I think it's too damn bad that loyal Steemians here no longer have the artistic liberty to use the logo without a looming threat of IP violence, though. Missing the wild west of old Steemit already, but buckling up for what's to come as well, in hopeful anticipation.

Before you go all apeshit on me here.

Some folks do not understand how IP (intellectual property) laws could ever be viewed as "violent." The anarchists (and there are many of us here on this platform) however, likely know what I am getting at.

IP laws mandate that anyone making copies of or distributing, for example, an image, sequence of sounds, idea, or text, must obtain permission from the creator of said works before doing so. This would even include the "illegal" homemade Steemit shirt I wore in my recent marathon (I used the "Steemit brand"). The problem with IP as it is practiced by the state, however, is that it attempts to bind even individuals not consenting to the terms of the "agreement."

For example, say an individual wishes to use the logo in a creative way in order to spread the Steemit gospel and keep the creative juices flowing in the community. Or perhaps it is just some guy that wants to make an artwork based on the design. Well, now, this individual has to get permission from the folks at Steemit to use his computer to download a file to his hard drive. Steemit.com is now effectively dictating how users and non-users alike may or may not use their own personal property (computers, hard drives, etc.) The owner of the property (computer) may have never even consented to be bound by these restrictions. This is reverse slavery. What happens if you break this "law" and use your computer as you please? Well, you can be fined. If you don't pay the fine you can be jailed. If you resist being jailed well...let's just say that non-consensual IP is violence.

I am not implying that this is the goal of anyone at Steemit.com--to make our lives more difficult or less creative. But that is what has happened.

Non-voluntary terms of use contracts are illegitimate and immoral, and it is sad to see the "Wild West" days of this site I have come to know and love coming to an end.

That said, it is also a brand new beginning, and the path seems paved all the more for mainstream adaption. Excited see what happens next, but also sad that some of the original true blue spirit of freedom has now been replaced by an off-putting, sea foam green, grandma-house-slipper color of...maybe?

~KafkA

!

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Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)