User-Generated Content & Virtual Worlds

Lastowka, Greg

Abstract

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User-Generated Content & Virtual Worlds

Greg Lastowka

Rutgers School of Law

Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law, Forthcoming

Abstract:
Many legal commentators have claimed that virtual worlds owe their popularity to their focus on user-generated content and user creativity. While this is true in part and authorial freedom may draw consumers to virtual worlds, user-generated content can also pose risks to virtual world businesses from both an aesthetic and legal perspective.

A significant tension exists between permitting participants to create content freely and building a successful virtual environment. In some instances, user-generated content can overwhelm virtual worlds. The future of user-generated content in virtual worlds is not clear, given the significant practical and legal problems that accompany user-generated content.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 22

Keywords: virtual world, user-generated content, digital culture

JEL Classification: K10, K11, K19

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Date posted: February 18, 2008 ; Last revised: April 9, 2008

Suggested Citation

Lastowka, Greg, User-Generated Content & Virtual Worlds. Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law, Forthcoming. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1094048

Contact Information

Greg Lastowka (Contact Author)

Rutgers School of Law ( email )

217 N. 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08102-1203
United States

HOME PAGE: http://lastowka.rutgers.edu