Untouchable But Real

When I sit here and type these words, I’m creating something that is, ultimately, intangible, but no less real.

This isn’t a radical concept. We call this intellectual property, and we work to preserve it because people deserve to be rewarded for their work, should anyone be willing to offer that reward.

My paid subscribers here, and my bosses at Bearing Arms or Townhall, have all opted to offer me that reward for the fruits of my mind. Other examples are books by your favorite author, music from your favorite artists, to say nothing of movies or even the design of a new device that offers up the chance at changing the world.

Because of my role as a creator of intellectual property, I’m very sensitive to the theft of it.

In the past, I’ve had people who would post my entire work, with a link at the bottom, and pretend they’re helping me, that they’re supporting me. Some of them even meant it. However, the fact that traffic helps me financially at some of the places I’ve worked means that it wasn’t the help intended.

And I’ve had people steal my work outright.

The reason I’m talking about it today is that one of my favorite internet cartoonists, Art by Karla, is kind of the victim of exactly that.