• Registered: 2008-02-14
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Topic: Using Music Without Permission

As you may have noticed I posted a topic on other artists that has been closed. The subject was about a leading US rock band and how one of their songs has been used without their permission in a marketing campaign. While I accept that there are certain issues that we are not encouraged to discuss on this forum for obvious and understandable reasons, the use of music without permission is an important issue to the music industry.

Had the discussion been closed without comment I’d have accepted it, however in this case the final comment is unfair.  In this case the moderator's has criticised the musicians for "alienating" part of the fan base by objecting to this unauthorised use of their music.

This is wrong.  Imagine a leading firm of breakfast cereal produces a commercial in which someone is dreaming of their breakfast cereal. If during this commercial they feature Joe's Woke Up Dreaming without his permission should Joe be accused of alienating those of his fans who like this product, if he objects?

The answer to this is no. Clearly it would be the marketers of the breakfast cereal who would be at fault, Joe would be the wronged party and it would be his right to object, as his songs are his property.

That’s a simple commercial example. When it comes to politics it is understandable the artist involved would not wish to be associated with any side in this way.  For the same reasons we do not discuss it here.

As this story features a leading rock band and an important issue (the use of music without permission) I still feel there was value in posting the topic into the other artists section of the forum. Incidentally, I posted it as I found it published from a non-biased news website (Yahoo). 

Close a topic if you may Jim, but if you do so, please make sure it is in an objective way.  Criticising an artist for legitimately complaining about their song being used without their permission is not fair and missing the point. It could lend itself to questions about your own impartiality as moderator.  No offence intended, thanks for your time.

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
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Re: Using Music Without Permission

Damned if I do damned if i don't. Some people want explanations some people don't. in my best Steve Martin voice."Excussse Meeee" however I don't pretend impartiality. I try to be fair as long as it doesn't compromise the guidelines of the forum. I am however partial and have my own opinions I do try to keep in check. My first thought was to delete the entire post. I chose to explain.

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  • Registered: 2008-02-14
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Re: Using Music Without Permission

Jim, I think the story had some merit as this is a music forum. This issue was not  about politics, it was about the unauthorised use of songs and potential lack of protection an artist has in this situation.  The subject was not about policies or personalities, nor would it influence a vote.  You, I and the Foo Fighters appear to agree that mixing politics and music is bad for business as the band's annoucement was surely made so as not to appear politically aligned. Therefore I still don’t get your alienation of fans comment at all… Surely their intention was the opposite. If you have an answer feel free to email me.

The idea of Steve Martin as moderator does make me smile though! smile

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
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Re: Using Music Without Permission

I agree with the concept of separation of church (joe's forum) and state (politics).
The initial post may not have been intended to be political, but I could see how it would have headed that way.

I agree with Steve Martin as moderator.

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"

5 Reply by gsj (edited by gsj 2008-10-09 16:58:10)

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Re: Using Music Without Permission

.......or not. I'm with Greenose on this. It was a valid point that could have started an interesting discussion without being political. Music isn't always about girls, booze and cars. Politics do play a part.....you can't hide from that. It doesn't mean we are going to descend into a political rant at the first opportunity. (Maybe you're a little too strung out on the never ending political rallys that seem to be happening in the USA at the moment wink )

As for Steve Martin......no way. Billy Connolly, absolutely.

Geoff

Bill S wrote:

I agree with the concept of separation of church (joe's forum) and state (politics).
The initial post may not have been intended to be political, but I could see how it would have headed that way.

I agree with Steve Martin as moderator.

never give up, never slow down
never grow old, never ever die young
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Re: Using Music Without Permission

As long as the conversation is about using music without permission in general go right ahead. Duncan refrased his question. Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Re: Using Music Without Permission

Nah. Don't want to now big_smile

never give up, never slow down
never grow old, never ever die young
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Re: Using Music Without Permission

gsj wrote:

Nah. Don't want to now big_smile

Would rather discuss the merits of Billy Connelly v Steve Martin.

My biggest worry about Billy would be his use of offensive language on the board,

"ye dinnae ken whit yer talking aboot ye wee... ", see my problem? lol

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
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Re: Using Music Without Permission

You calling me a wee? What the heck is that?

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10 Reply by SRV

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Re: Using Music Without Permission

jim m wrote:

You calling me a wee? What the heck is that?

This really is gettin' funny.....

They're at home still runnin' for bells
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Than that blue collar hell
  • From: Orange County, NY
  • Registered: 2007-08-19
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Re: Using Music Without Permission

jim m wrote:

You calling me a wee? What the heck is that?

I dunno but they make targets for that...

http://www.bedtimeandtoilettrainingsolu … %20033.jpg

big_smile

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Re: Using Music Without Permission

I read jim's post as saying that if you pick a side (any side) you lose the other side as potential customers, period.

We appreciate the fact that you think the thread had merit. If I'd have seen it first, the whole thing would have been deleted, without explanation.

The explanation is in the forum guidelines --- no religion or politics, then there is the general guideline of "moderators make the determination".

The rephrased question is fine; if it heads down the other path its over.

“A friend is someone that will help you move............a TRUE friend will help you move the bodies." -- anon

13 Reply by gsj

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Re: Using Music Without Permission

OK. Let's forget the politics and discuss the merits of Steve Martin and Billy Connelly as mods on here.

Billy would condone the use of the four letter word but only in moderation or when aimed at a politician of any standing. (My neck on the block yet again big_smile).....

Billy said "Would you buy any one of them (politicians) a beer if you met them in a bar? No! Don't vote for them. It just encourages them".

Steve Martin said "Talking about music is like dancing about architecture."

1-0 to Billy I think wink

never give up, never slow down
never grow old, never ever die young