Awhile back I mentioned that my day was made by discovering a trove of Bob Ross videos posted on YouTube. Last week I needed some background "noise" while working and so I revisited the links, listening to several episodes of the Joy of Painting as I coded away. It felt as if my spine were melting. I'm not sure how productive I was, but damn if I wasn't relaxed. I think Bob Ross could solve the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. If representatives for both sides were placed in a room with tapes from the show, I think after only an hour or so of happy trees, insights about friendship, and asides concerning woodland critters, they would be so mellow and thoughtful they'd immediately agree to peace.

Unfortunately, Bob Ross Inc. must not be real keen on having his work floating around in the public domain. Just the other day I went to find more white-afro painting goodness only to discover that the previously available clips were now marked: "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Bob Ross, Inc." Not-so-happy little trees.

Bob Ross Inc. is certainly well within its right to request the takedown of these videos but it's a bit of a shame. People have uploaded these clips because of an enduring love for the show and its kind and charismatic host. I imagine it's a mixture of "Who else remembers this great show?" and "I want to share this because I bet there are others out there that will appreciate it."

I understand that there are legal reasons to take these down, ownership rights, protection of brand, etc. It still disappoints me. There is something so appropriate about the Joy of Painting appearing on YouTube. It seems like something of which Bob Ross would have approved, especially considering his show ran on Public Television.

Who knows, maybe the company will see the wisdom of making all the episodes freely available again officially via the Internet. I doubt it, but there is always a chance. There's something to be said for having one's legacy live on in cyberspace, especially when the potential for finding new audiences is so great.

Until then, here is a TiVo link to "Best of the Joy of Painting". You never know, your local PBS affiliate might still carry it.

(Update: A friend of mine just pointed out that Bob Ross Inc. sells all of the episodes on their website. I guess I can understand more now why they wouldn't want it out there for free.)