Here is why EVERYONE here should care:
There are several big problems in magic today:
My responses will be in red.
1) people who publish (DVD or book) other people's work without credit or permission.
1. I agree with you on this. But, I hate to tell you, it's not against the law. No one can copyright an idea, because it's not something material. Although, to copy someones idea is unethical. But there isn't anything that can be done about this, because it isn't against the law.
2) people exposing methods thinking they are "helping magicians" on websites for magicians
2. I hate how people get all hyped up about magic websites that expose methods. I am part of a so called "exposure website". Why? Because I'm an 18 year old kid, getting ready to go to college, which my parents can't pay for, so I can't be wasting my money on crappy tricks. So I find out the method of a trick lawfully and legally (discussion with other magicians), and if I like the trick I buy it. If it's crappy and something I won't use, I don't use it and don't buy it. Also, people call it an "exposure site", but really it's an online magicians club. I live in a small town, the closest magicians club is three hours away. I can't join it, I don't have any magician friends around me, don't even have a magic shop anywhere close by (3 hours away)! At magicians clubs, or even at magic conferences, if you become a friend with someone they usually teach you a trick and show you something. I've heard some magicians on this forum and others talk about this. How is that any different? Also, since I live so far away from a magicians club, am I just supposed to sit here by myself without any help from experienced magicians, and hope I get a lot better? There's nothing wrong with so called "exposure sites", or as I call them, online magic communities.
3) company's that put out minor variations to try and profit from someone else's ideas
3. (See 1.) Once again, it's not against the law, although I agree with you. And it is also unethical.
4) botched performances on youtube
4. Although it is sad that there are botched performances on YouTube, there isn't anything you can do about it. They bought they trick, they aren't doing anything illegal or unlawful, so they can perform the trick they bought and place the performance on YouTube. You can help several people, I helped one guy. How? I messaged him and kindly suggested somethings to him. It really helped him out and made his performance videos better.