You Can't Copy Real

So I've got about an hour until my next class, and I'm completely read up for my classes this week - so I'm going to have a bit of a chat with myself about computer programs. This stems from an article I had to read for my Digital Works class regarding the copyright issues with computer programs that generate music, novels, etc.

First of all, I had no idea that they had computer programs that could do these things. I mean, we have come a long way with technology, but we've apparently got computer programs that can create music and books for our entertainment, without an...well...an author. Granted, you have the programmers and users, etc, but let's be honest - I don't buy it.

Now the copyright issues aside, I just don't trust it. Improvisation in acting and music (I'll admit) is somewhat formulaic. But it is improvised! On the spot! Hypothetically, if you tried to recreate the exact same skit or record the exact same improve jazz solo - it won't happen. There will be variations. That's why people see things live. In person. There is human error. There is human greatness. But  that creativity cannot be duplicated in a few lines of code. I'll bet that a computer can generate the same "random" song again after awhile. Mostly because the "random factor" is just another formula, and in infinite combinations, can still be repeated.

And I suppose the digital novel thing bothers me most. You can read every Ernest Hemingway novel, short story, etc. and create a formula to generate a Hemingway-like novel - but it isn't Hemingway. You can use his concise sentences. You can certainly create the quintessential Hemingway Hero (the man of all men). You can cuss all you want. But I happen to know for a fact, that it cannot be recreated. Mostly because writers, musicians, sports players, ballerinas, etc. get better with practice. They improve, mature, things happen in their life that inspire and drive their craft...you get the picture. So not matter what you put in that formula, you can't account for the mistakes, the human error, the life experiences, the improvement or deterioration of an author's writing, composing skills, etc. Not knowing enough about computers, maybe computers can do that. But in what way? What if my characterization improves over time but my description of setting plateaus? What if I generate a passion for composing all my songs in a completely different key? Can you account for all the factors?

So I don't have all the answers to the legal aspect of this stuff, but I'm skeptical of a computer generated novel. I don't trust it. To me, it's not real.

Real is a back alley jazz club in Berlin. Real is hunting lions in Africa with your wife. Real is conversations with friends the week before they die. Real is stomach growls in a quiet library. Real is sweaty fingers before performing on stage. Real is singing Aretha during a car accident. Real is letting go. Real is making mistakes. You can't copy real.