Share and share-alike

I think that, essentially, Creative Commons helps to clarify the issue somewhat, though the waters are still pretty muddy -- just no completely opaque anymore. I agree with Bruce, if I understand him correctly, that not every idea or creation, like physical property, need be 'fair game'. The analogy that came to my mind is that I don't see a big problem in turning around in someone's driveway or walking on their grass. However, if I block their access or inconvenience them in the former case, or damage their grass or start digging for oil in the latter, then it's a problem. I guess, for me, it's a matter of the spirit of the law, as I interpret it. That is, to not profit from others' work in a such as way that denies them from profiting from it. Then again, it's a thin line between rational thought and rationalizing thought. I tend to rail against people who argue morality based on a 'philosophy of convenience', i.e., if it's convenient for them, then it's okay, such as downloading music. Then again, in typical hypocritical fashion, I'm sure I've been guilty of that myself, . . . though it's okay when I do it. ;-/