Readers know all

[rivkat]

Who remembers the name of that science fiction story where, in the future, total database access makes it possible to show that new art is never "new"--you're always composing/drawing/etc. something that's been created before?  And the dreams of artists are crushed by (a rather weird interpretation of) copyright law?

ETA: Found, in minutes.  You all are the best!

Comments

[zvi]

Melancholy Elephants by Spider Robinson, maybe?

[rivkat]

I knew you guys knew everything!