“In a recent New York Magazine article about Frey’s new fiction factory, Frey is quoted saying that documentary is ‘a thesis on truth that hasn’t been proven yet’ and that he ‘should have never fucking apologized’ to Oprah. Many would agree with him. What’s to apologize for? In the age of Google, YouTube, BitTorrent, etc., a growing majority believes they own everything and should apologize for nothing. Perhaps this is the true cultural shift. While art has always been a product of influence, the ‘anxiety of influence’ no longer exists. Why should we cite our sources? Why should we write our paper? What do we have to apologize for? From this frame of reference, the hyperlink is as valuable as the thought.”
Nathan Ihara on literary theft at MobyLives.
