Ethical question - taking one picture with a cell phone/camera at a production. — Page 6

Furthermore, if you're referring to me as self-righteous because I'm enforcing certain rules that are in no way unfair or prohibitive of your enjoyment, I'd suggest that you have a problem yourself. It is illegal, it is not tyrannical, and because we cannot regulate where these pictures are used, we ban them altogether. As I said, if you find that difficult to deal with, write to those in charge of the rules. Hash it out with them. I'm frankly tired of talking about it, and tired of people who feel like the theatre is their living room.

ETA: If someone's kicking your seat, either tell them to stop or get an usher and we will tell them to stop.

Updated On: 3/29/07 at 01:25 PM

I'm not sure if you meant me in your last post or not.
But, I have to say, that I said I don't think we, as the audience, have the right to do whatever we want. That's stupid and I already stated that. I also understand that the author/creators' rights should be protected. What I have a problem with is the sheer idiocy of some of it all. I keep coming back to the houselights example. Why does every single thing, no matter how tiny or insignificant have to be 'owned' and 'protected'? I just don't think that's right. In fact, it makes me want to run all over the country, taking pictures of houselights in every theatre just to post them online. I won't, obviously, but the concept amuses me. Why? Because the world's not going to end, in the long run no one would care, but yet I'd still be in actual legal trouble if I were reported. Self-righteous? Maybe a bit. But, I love the theatre. And I know that the fact that it’s live is what makes it special and that is why many in the theatre community are opposed to unauthorized recordings or pictures. But, as an avid and informed theatre-goer as well as an actor, it doesn’t bother me. I’m not saying you have to feel that way. But, I would never do anything to intentionally hinder or compromise the enjoyment of a performance for anyone around me. That is rude. And that’s really why I think taking pictures in a performance might be wrong, not because our culture’s “copyright” obsession.

And I have no problem with you or any usher, unless they are an unbelievable p***k about it. Only once, have I encountered someone like this - I suspect she would have been patrolling the aisles with an AK-47 if she could. We were seated, it was about 15 minutes before curtain and the woman next to be opened her phone (which she already silenced) to check the time. This woman ran, and practically hurtled over people to get to there and actually berate her and told her she was not to have that on in the theatre. Which, I know for a fact is not true. That crazy woman aside, I know that they're just doing their jobs. It's the laws I have problems with. And you're right, I should take it up with the companies, but they don't care and nothing would be changed. But, the one thing I AM entitled to is to think that they are wrong. And that's all I'm saying.

Updated On: 3/29/07 at 01:46 PM

Lighten up, MLE. I didn't mean anybody in particular. It was a joke.

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MLE is way less of a hothead than I am. I agree with hom 100%. I have never taken a picture in a theater, either. But the idea that everyone in the world treats a picture as if it were Hiroshima smacks of self righteous sheep-like behaviour.

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Fenchurch, it's not the picture. It's the act of willfully ignoring the request not to take photographs that gets me riled.

You're being rude, not following the regulations, and you should be stopped. I have been distracted by rude morons in the theatre with ringing cell phones, text messaging and other nonsense. I don't appreciate rudeness in any form from a nearby audience member, and I try not to disturb anyone else.

Go right ahead and fight it. No one's telling you not to try. But take it up with those in charge instead of just doing it in the theatre and risking getting yourself fined or arrested.

Yeah.

I love how this was bumped up a year and a half later.

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To the people saying "I can't BELIEVE you'd just say 'rules are rules' and blindly follow them!": are you genuinely saying that taking a photo in a theatre is akin to standing up and saying "no. Jews are people too" even though that could get you killed? Sense of perspective goes both ways, cupcakes.

And to the person who said "I spent $100 for my ticket, damn STRAIGHT I'm going to take a photo if I want to!": are you also going to make phone calls, chat with your neighbour, eat a three course take-out dinner, and listen to a sports game on the radio as you sit in your seat? Gotta love that sense of entitlement!

That's all I really have to say here.

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jazzicat, I'm simply speechless at your post! Please tell me you weren't really serious!

The sick part is that I was 100% serious. I enjoy technology. a lot. I relish the fact that I don't really have to feel bad about missing out on anything these days. It makes my work week a lot more bearable. I'm not saying it should be obvious or that there should be performances with cameras high in the air, but if I see someone sneaking a video -- it doesn't bother me. In fact, I admire the rebellious spirit. And I embrace it. These rogue video clips have filled me with joy on many occasions. And if someone else risks it-- fantastic. And contrary to popular belief-- I feel that these video clips make people who would see a show anyways even more anxious to see it.

Come on, I bet 99.9% of people on this board have been glad that something they missed for valid personal reasons was captured by someone else. It doesn't mean I'm unethical or that I don't respect the rights to copyright ownership-- I just am both resigned to the fact and somewhat thankful that I live in a time when we don't have to miss out. I enjoy it more than I find it annoying..so why not go with it.

Look at my avatar. I am a huge fan of bands like Dave Matthews and Phish who have encouraged tapers for years. They understand that there are nuances in every performance.. and they might as well encourage the die-hard fans to enjoy these small gifts. These core fans make the music grow and live on-- I mean why would you alienate the people who share the same songs over and over again simply to hear a new chord or note. They keep it going.

I firmly believe that Broadway should come around and start to realize that the die hards who watch these videos are the same obsessed fans who are going to see shows over and over again and keep the shows going and alive. The ushers shouldn't get their underpants in such a bunch... if a show is really that good it will live on, video clips or not.

Oh and as for the elitist attitude-- if that is how you get your joy in life, more power to you.