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Copyright is Dead: Why It Fails Creators & What Comes Next


The Illusion of Copyright Protection

I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. Copyright law is an outdated relic of a bygone era—an era where creativity was scarce, publishing was controlled by gatekeepers, and protecting intellectual property actually meant something.

Today, in a world where AI tools are everywhere, the idea that an artist needs government validation to claim their own work is ridiculous.

The U.S. Copyright Office’s latest AI report confirms that AI-generated works alone cannot be copyrighted, but human contributions can make a work eligible—depending on the level of creative input. However, the report leaves open how much human input is enough and who decides that threshold.

Creators shouldn’t need a stamp of approval to claim and monetize their work, but the Copyright Office has ruled that AI prompts alone do not qualify as authorship. This means artists must demonstrate clear creative modifications to claim copyright.

The truth is, copyright began as a way to regulate publishing monopolies and later evolved into a tool for controlling distribution and maximizing corporate profits. And in today’s digital economy, creators don’t need outdated laws. We need better tools.


A Brief History of Copyright

Copyright has always been about power—who controls creative works, and who profits from them. It started as a tool for regulating publishers, but as technology advanced, it became more about corporate control.

📚 The First Copyright Law (1710): The Statute of Anne (England) was the world’s first copyright law. It granted authors rights to their work but also limited publishers’ monopolies over books.

📚 The U.S. Copyright Act (1790): America copied this model, granting authors a 14-year monopoly (renewable once). It was meant to incentivize creation, but from the beginning, copyright was tied to commercial interests.

🎬 Hollywood & Copyright Expansion (20th Century): Movie studios, record labels, and publishing giants lobbied for stronger copyright laws to maximize profits. Copyright protections were extended multiple times, often benefiting corporations far more than individual artists.

Let’s be real: who actually benefits from copyright today?

✅ Big corporations that have the resources to sue infringers.
✅ Lawyers who make millions fighting over intellectual property.
✅ Platforms like YouTube that weaponize copyright claims to control content.

Meanwhile, most independent artists can’t afford to enforce their copyrights. In the digital world—where images, videos, and music can be copied infinitely—copyright is an illusion of protection.


Photography, AI, and the Fear of New Technology

What’s happening with AI-generated art today is exactly what happened with photography in the 19th century.

When photography was first invented, traditional artists and legal experts argued that photographs weren’t “real art” because “the camera did the work.” Sound familiar?

📸 The Supreme Court & Photography (1884)
In Burrow-Giles Lithographic Co. v. Sarony, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a photograph could be copyrighted—but only if the photographer exercised creative control (composition, lighting, pose).

The same vague standard is being applied to AI today:
💡 If an artist uses AI, how much control is “enough” for copyright?
💡 Who decides, and why should artists need approval at all?

The real problem isn’t AI. It’s that copyright law is stuck in an outdated framework. AI, blockchain, and digital tools have already changed how art is created and shared. Instead of arguing over “human effort,” we need new systems that work for artists today.


If Copyright is Fading, What Comes Next?

If copyright no longer protects artists, how do we protect and monetize our work?

The answer isn’t more lawsuits—it’s better technology:

1️⃣ Blockchain & Smart Contracts: Proof Without Permission

Timestamp & track authorship on the blockchain—no government needed.
Smart contracts allow automatic licensing and royalty payments.
✅ Artists don’t need permission to own their work.

📌 Note: While blockchain provides proof of ownership, legal systems haven’t fully recognized it as a copyright alternative yet. But adoption is growing.

2️⃣ AI + Licensing: Own Your Process

✅ Instead of fighting for copyright, artists should define their own licensing terms.
✅ AI-assisted creation should have clear monetization options rather than legal battles.
Decentralized platforms & NFTs allow direct sales, tracking, and automated royalties.

3️⃣ Direct Monetization: No Gatekeepers

✅ Platforms like Patreon, Substack, ARTstocker, and creator-driven tools let artists sell directly to their audience.
✅ Instead of fighting piracy, artists can embrace accessibility and focus on community-driven monetization models.


A Call to Artists: Stop Playing By Old Rules

Why are we still waiting for validation from institutions that don’t serve us?

📌 The Copyright Office, record labels, and publishers are scrambling to stay relevant—but they aren’t necessary anymore.

✅ Artists don’t need permission to claim their work.
✅ AI isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity.
✅ Copyright isn’t the future—blockchain, licensing, and direct ownership are.

It’s time for artists to stop playing by outdated rules and start creating a system that works for us.

🔴 Copyright isn’t dead yet—but it’s fading. What comes next is up to us.


Where Do You Stand?

Is copyright still relevant in the age of AI and blockchain? Or is it time to move on?

Let’s talk. Find me on X and most social media sites: @vlaneART

My Journey into No-Code Development: Scratching My Own Itch and Building a Portfolio

I started exploring no-code development tools out of necessity—a need to expand my portfolio while tackling real-world problems I face daily. The challenge I set for myself? Create at least three apps that solve practical issues. It’s been a fascinating journey of learning, iteration, and discovery. Here’s how it started and where it’s going.

The First App: AICalCount

In November 2024, I began a weight loss journey in preparation for total knee replacement surgery scheduled for March 12, 2025. With this goal in mind, I decided my first app would be a calorie-counting tool, optimized for mobile use. Weight loss is a deeply personal journey for me, and I wanted to create something that would make tracking calories easier, faster, and smarter.

Inspired by YouTube videos mentioning calAI.app, I started researching the competition. I found only two apps leveraging AI to simplify calorie tracking for users. This gap motivated me to build my own solution. Version 1 of AICalCount is now live: https://vitamai-ithinkmedia.replit.app/. It’s functional, mobile-optimized, and an exciting first step. I’ll be sharing an in-depth review of the other apps I explored and what I learned during the creation of AICalCount in an upcoming article.

The Second App: ArtSpark

Next, I turned my attention to a tool for artists, ArtSpark. This app aims to inspire creators and help them ignite their artistic ideas. ArtSpark has gone through several iterations, but it’s not quite ready to share as a functional app. While I was making progress, I decided to shift gears and tackle a project that felt more tangible and closer to my heart.

The Dream App: Artsy Gallery

Artsy Gallery (a working title) is the app I’ve dreamed about creating for years. It will be a feature-rich tool allowing me to showcase and share my catalog of images with the community. It’s designed to be intuitive, beautiful, and practical, serving both artists and art enthusiasts. Building this app is a labor of love, and I’m excited to begin testing it soon. Once it’s ready, I’ll launch it right here on vlane.ART!

Why These Apps Matter

These apps are more than projects; they are stepping stones to building a new career and life after losing my love on March 9, 2024. Creating tools that solve real problems and sharing my journey along the way has been therapeutic and motivating. Through these projects, I’ve learned new skills, challenged myself, and started building a portfolio of SaaS and web apps that I hope will support me in this next chapter of life.

What’s Next?

I’ll be reviewing both AICalCount and other AI-driven calorie-counting apps in detail, sharing insights on what worked, what didn’t, and what sets AICalCount apart. I’ll also keep you updated on ArtSpark and Artsy Gallery as they progress. These stories are just the beginning, and I’m ready to share more—stories filled with suspense, heroes, cannabis, and intrigue.

Stay tuned for updates, app launches, and a deeper dive into the world of no-code development. It’s been a journey of learning, creating, and rediscovering myself, and I’m excited to take you along for the ride.


Feature Comparison: ARTify vs. Dream App Vision

This comparison evaluates the features implemented in ARTify against the envisioned functionalities of the Dream App, helping identify what’s aligned, what needs improvement, and what remains to be developed.


Image Processing & Storage

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Multi-resolution image processing ✔ Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, Ultra resolutions Same, with batch processing and dynamic resizing. Already implemented. Confirm if resolutions match desired sizes.
Automatic image resizing ✔ Fully implemented Same Matches your vision.
Color palette extraction ✔ Integrated Same Ensure extraction is accurate and appealing to users.
Batch upload support ✔ Available Essential for bulk image management Satisfies bulk upload requirement.
Organized file storage system ✔ Implemented Same Ensure storage scales as the library grows.

AI & Metadata

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
AI-powered image analysis ✔ OpenAI-powered Advanced AI for tagging, descriptions, categorization Matches vision but ensure metadata accuracy and style relevance.
Automatic metadata generation ✔ Automated metadata creation Same Meets expectations.
Smart tagging system ✔ Integrated Same Ensure tags enhance search functionality.
Art style classification ✔ Implemented Needed for better categorization and Pro-tier enhancements Review if style classifications align with user goals (e.g., artistic movements).
Automated descriptions ✔ Available Same Matches vision; confirm description quality.

Gallery Features

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Responsive image grid layout ✔ Fully functional Same No changes needed.
Advanced image modal ✔ Implemented with detailed view Popup with title, tags, Pro/free options, color palette display Confirm modal integrates Pro/free download functionality.
Tag-based search ✔ Integrated Same Ensure search is intuitive.
Color palette visualization ✔ Included Same Matches expectations; consider color-based filtering.
View count tracking ✔ Functional Same Meets analytics needs.
Image category management ✔ Admin tool available Needed for organized navigation Matches expectations; ensure flexibility for growth.

User Management

Feature ARTify Dream  Notes for Improvement
User registration/authentication ✔ Implemented Same Fully functional.
Role-based access control ✔ Public, member, admin roles Same Matches vision perfectly.
Admin dashboard ✔ Admin tools integrated Same Sufficient for now; consider custom options.
Password reset ✔ Fully functional Same Meets expectations.
Session management ✔ Secure session handling Same Matches vision.

Pro Subscription System

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Monthly/yearly billing ✔ Stripe integration complete Same Ensure billing flexibility and ease of use.
Pro-exclusive high-res downloads ✔ Integrated Pro users should access high-res, watermark-free images Matches vision; ensure clear upselling for Pro features.
Subscription tracking ✔ Available Needed to manage user tiers effectively Fully implemented.

Admin Features

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Image management ✔ Batch processing, visibility controls, metadata editing Same Could add advanced tools like duplicate detection.
User management ✔ Admin-level user controls Needed for managing user accounts Matches expectations.
Analytics dashboard ✔ Basic analytics available Advanced user behavior analytics Add granular data like Pro user activity and trends.

Technical Features

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
PostgreSQL integration ✔ Integrated Same Matches vision; ensure scalability.
Secure file handling ✔ Available Same Fully implemented.
API endpoints ✔ Exposed for image operations Needed for frontend-backend integration Matches vision.
Logging system ✔ Included Needed for error tracking/debugging Ensure logs capture critical data.

UI/UX

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Responsive design ✔ Functional Same Fully implemented; optimize further for mobile.
Image modal with zoom ✔ Included Same Matches vision.
Download resolution selector ✔ Included Needed for Pro/free distinctions Ensure clear resolution labels and upsell messaging.
Loading states/progress ✔ Functional Needed for large galleries/uploads Matches expectations.

Next Steps

This comprehensive analysis shows that ARTify aligns well with the Dream App vision, but a few refinements and additional features could elevate it further. Prioritizing scalability, advanced analytics, and Pro features will ensure your app continues to meet user needs and your long-term goals.

Stay tuned as this dream evolves!

10 Tips to Unlock the Full Potential of AI Conversations

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential tool for enhancing productivity, creativity, and problem-solving. ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI’s advanced GPT-4 architecture, offers users a unique opportunity to engage in dynamic conversations and explore a wide range of tasks. To truly harness the power of this versatile AI, it’s important to know how to interact with it effectively. In this article, we present 10 essential tips to help you get the most out of ChatGPT, optimize your experience, and unlock its full potential for your personal or professional needs.

To get the most out of ChatGPT, follow these tips and best practices:

  1. Be clear and specific: When asking questions or providing input, be as clear and specific as possible. This helps the AI understand your query better and provide more accurate and relevant responses.
  2. Use follow-up questions: If you’re not satisfied with the response or need more information, feel free to ask follow-up questions or provide additional context. This helps refine the AI’s understanding of your needs.
  3. Experiment with the wording: If you’re not getting the desired results, try rephrasing your question or input. Sometimes, a slightly different approach can lead to a better response.
  4. Break down complex queries: If you have a multi-part or complex question, break it down into simpler parts. This can make it easier for the AI to provide accurate information.
  5. Set context: At the beginning of your conversation, provide some context or background information if necessary. This helps the AI understand your goals and tailor its responses accordingly.
  6. Be aware of limitations: Keep in mind that ChatGPT’s knowledge is limited to the data it has been trained on, which goes up to September 2021. The model may not have the most recent or accurate information in some cases.
  7. Fact-check: While ChatGPT can be a useful source of information, it’s always a good idea to verify the facts and cross-reference with other sources, especially for critical decisions or important topics.
  8. Use for brainstorming: ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for brainstorming ideas, discussing possibilities, or exploring various scenarios. Use it to spark your creativity and generate new ideas.
  9. Provide feedback: If the AI provides a response that is incorrect, inappropriate, or not helpful, you can provide feedback to help improve future interactions.
  10. Explore various use cases: ChatGPT can be used for a wide range of tasks, such as answering questions, writing content, summarizing information, providing recommendations, and more. Experiment with different use cases to get the most value from the tool.

As you implement these 10 tips and best practices, you’ll find your interactions with ChatGPT become increasingly effective, targeted, and valuable. Remember that, like any other tool, the key to success lies in understanding its capabilities and limitations. By refining your approach and staying open to experimentation, you can unlock the full potential of ChatGPT for a wide array of applications, from answering questions and generating content to brainstorming ideas and beyond. Embrace the power of AI and let ChatGPT be your trusted companion in navigating the world of information and ideas.