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#990489 01/03/13 08:59 PM
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Got word today that the Internet Radio Fairness Act (IFRA) was defeated.

Great!


Jody Whitesides
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This is great news for all the Musicians and Songwriters who still
want to make a living in Music!
Thanks for posting this Jody.-Dana

Dayson #990496 01/03/13 10:31 PM
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Not so fast, fellas. At least according to Billboard.

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/indu...-slips-into-hibernation-1008067572.story


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"Insiders tell Billboard.biz the new bill could be re-introduced under a different name and could have different language than the one seen last year."

Yeah, well, then it's not the IRFA now would it. That's still "could" not "it will".

Until that happens - it lost this round, which was the correct way it should have gone.


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Jody, Sounds like you're having a George Bush "Mission Accomplished" moment.


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Dan, this is a victory for all songwriters, musicians, and artists. Almost sounds to me like you are a bit disappointed we won this round, unless I'm mistaken, which I hope I am.

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Greg, My B.S. meter goes off the chart every time somebody tells me they're looking out for my interest and here's how I should think about a particular issue. And I really go on alert when Congress is considering a bill that someone says is or isn't in my best interest. What they usually means is that it's in or not in THEIR best interest. We've got a governor here in Michigan who just passed an anti-union law that he says isn't any anti-union law at all.

So I don't follow Pied Pipers. I think for myself.

Jody has his own agenda that has nothing to do with me. And that's fine. But I'm not climbing on his bandwagon or fighting his battles or asking him to fight mine.

Incidentally, you claim stopping the Internet Radio Fairness Act is a victory for "all songwriters, musicians and artists." That's not my take on it. In fact, as I understand it, the proposed Act would have no effect whatsoever on songwriter royalties. Please correct me if I got that wrong.

Right now I view the squabble between Internet music providers, radio stations and digital stations like a protection racket arguing over their split of the loot. I'd be surprised if musicians and performers aren't coming out on the short end of the stick. They always have.

I'm sure plenty will disagree with me. And that's fine by me too.


Last edited by Dan Sullivan; 01/04/13 12:24 AM.

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Well Dan,
I'm sorry they passed the Right to Work Law in Michigan, (No I'm Not), but I hear businesses were leaving Michigan for Indiana? maybe. You have my permission to blame Bush, heah.

I'm not sure but I think royalities for Internet Radio just paid Artists. Maybe someone can clear it up for me. I need to get to work in pitching some songs. Maybe the Economy will pick up this year.


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The IRFA was a proposed royalty rate reduction across the board of 85% on an already discounted rate. So yeah, not only did it affect Performers, it also affected Songwriters and Publishers. Is it any wonder why so many Songwriters and Publishers also came out against the bill and went to lobby Congress?

The part about the Performers royalty was actually defended in Congress with lawmakers suggesting that terrestrial radio and broadcast outlets need to step up by adding the Performers Royalty to their bottom line. Because they've had it too good for too long.

I'm looking out at the fact that I'm happy to be making a living creating music. When some misguided lawmaker wants to take 85% of a good portion of my income away from me - yeah, I have an f'n problem with it.

"the proposed Act would have no effect whatsoever on songwriter royalties." Wrong. Go read both the HoR and the Senate and how they wanted to gut the Copyright board: http://beta.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/6480/text
http://www.wyden.senate.gov/downloa...of-2012-text-as-introduced?inline=scribd

Yes Dan, we disagree. However, I make my disagreement based on the fact that I know what the bill is about and why it sucked for people like myself, Greg Watton and others who are making a living via royalties. Not because of some personal B.S. meter based on rumor and hype.


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Here's a copy of an e-mail I just got today from Sen. Marco Rubio.

Dear Mr. Willis,



Thank you for contacting me in regard to radio broadcaster royalty rates. I would like to take this opportunity to address this important issue.

As you may know, the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act established a multi-tiered method for determining the royalty rates which radio broadcasters must pay to artists. The rates set today under the law vary for terrestrial (AM/FM), satellite, and Internet radio. Recently, legislation has been introduced to address the discrepancies among these varying royalty rates. The Internet Radio Freedom Act, S. 3609, which was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) on September 21, 2012, would apply the same methodology used for satellite providers to internet radio providers' royalty rates.

Since our country's founding, Congress has had the power to protect artists' ownership of copyrighted material to assure the value of their property. Over time that power has covered musical works and allowed songwriters to have the right of authorship. Now over 230 years later, the Internet has changed the way we experience music and become a source of immense value for American consumers and businesses alike. The progress of innovative technology should not be halted by outdated government regulations, nor should artists be unfairly compensated for their life's work. We must strike the appropriate balance.

The Internet Radio Freedom Act was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary in the 112th Congress, where it has since expired. While this bill has yet to be reintroduced into the 113th Congress, please know should it or similar legislation come before the Senate for consideration I will keep your thoughts in mind.

It is an honor to serve the people of Florida. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important topic. If I can be of further assistance, please contact my office.






Sincerely,

Marco Rubio
United States Senator

Each week I provide a weekly update on issues in Washington and ways in which my office can assist the people of Florida. Sign up here for updates on my legislative efforts, schedule of events throughout Florida, constituent services and much more

Thanks Sen. Rubio for responding. I haven't heard a word from my other Sen. Bill Nelson (D) on the subject yet.

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Ben,

If only we had him as President. With good fortune, he will be elected in 2016. He's a brilliant man who believes in controlling spending and supports a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution, which I believe is the only hope to save our country from financial and social calamity. He also believes in liberty and following the constitution, or acting within it to make any changes to better our country.

This is something I have never understood about those Americans who are against following our constitution, or using its provisions to make changes when needed (and wanted by the people). I also don't understand why people in the USA want to keep spending more than we take in, driving up the debt to levels that will have our children and grandchildren buried in it beyond their ability to get out.

Thanks for posting. Glad to know the deFacto leader of the Republican party is on the side of music makers and the Democrats are trying to screw us badly and even (ironically) taking away our rights to collectively bargain going forward. I wonder if Wyden ever read the bill he was hawking, or was the money/power he was likely promised by lobbyists just too tempting.


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Dan,

Are you aware that this bill would have removed the rights of songwriters and artists to collectively bargain forever going forward? I guess you didn't bother to read that part eh?

I find it interesting that as a Democrat you support the bill to not only screw the little guys out of 85% of the future online income, but ALSO wanted to end collective bargaining for better rates at the same time. Seems you're playing for the wrong team on this one Dan if you support IRFA.

Brian


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"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
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Brian, I'd be interested to know where you got your information that Senator Rubio opposes the Internet Radio Freedom Act. It certainly didn't come from his boilerplate response to Ben Willis' inquiry. And there was never a vote on the bill which would have pinned him down on his position. Have you got a source or is that just a knee jerk defense of a Republican politician?

The National Labor Relations Act governs collective bargaining rights for workers so I have no idea what you're talking about when you say IRFA would have banned collective bargaining rights for songwriters. I suspect you're firing from the hip again. I haven't paid much attention to IRFA, but it's my understanding that a copyright commission or board meets every 5 years or so to set the copyright payment rates.

I don't have a strong opinion on IRFA one way or the other. Just because Jody, you or NSAI assert the bill is bad for songwriters doesn't mean it necessarily is so. Propaganda doesn't move me. Especially political propaganda. If someone can show me specifics where it will hurt songwriters, then we can have a rational discussion about it. Until then, I'm not on the bandwagon.


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Dan!,
You need to relax! Vaudville is dead except for Liberal's and Democrats! Bummer keeps repeating the same Mantra. WITH YOUR MONEY AND MY BRAINS, WE WILL GO PLACES. The Liberal's and Democrats want to run the Country but thay want the Conservatives and Republician's to pay for it. President Kennedy said, THINK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY. The only thing he forgot to add was Send Money. Dan! You forgot to send the money! Now we are broke! Even Michigan got the message. But You? I tell you Dan, Vaudville is dead.

Last edited by Ray E. Strode; 01/19/13 02:20 PM.

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Ray, Vaudeville isn't dead. It's been reincarnated on You Tube. Now if we could only bring back that good Republican Teddy Roosevelt.


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I'm waiting for the return of Tin Pan Alley.

John smile

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The only reason that I posted the letter was to show that some people in congress actually address their constituents. I was impressed by that.

I'm sure that it was a form letter sent by Sen. Rubio's office to anyone who contacted him about the IRFA, but it does clearly state his beliefs in this line "The progress of innovative technology should not be halted by outdated government regulations, nor should artists be unfairly compensated for their life's work. We must strike the appropriate balance." To me, that sounds like he's addressing both sides of the fence, but the line in bold letters tells me that he's on the side of artists and songwriters.

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Dan,

I know a bit about this since Just Plain Folks is one of the co-signers against IRFA and we've been against it from the start. I also don't care for the alternative bill sponsored by another Democrat. The bill was introduced by a Democrat in the Senate and a Republican in the House. This is why I am a Libertarian as there's little difference, in the end, between either party on most issues. The media often only blames Republicans in the house and ignores the Senate Sponsor in these stories but you only need to dig a little further to find the truth, and when enough money is tossed around by the lobbyists, both parties come to suck at the teat equally.

Apparently you're either not a JPF member Dan or you don't read the JPF newsletter. I published this one November 30th. You see, I DO know what I am talking about and I am directly involved in the process working with our long time partners at the Future of Music Coalition. So I would appreciate it if you bothered to learn what you're talking about before you accuse me of not knowing what I am talking about. As for Rubio, not only did he clearly state his concern for making sure artists are compensated fairly, he's been a supporter of our side all along on this issue. Also, in regard to your questioning my comments about taking away collective bargaining rights, please see the BOLD paragraph below for details.
------------------------------------------
Welcome to Just Plain Notes
Just Plain Notes: Volume 2.003, November 30, 2012
Written by Brian Austin Whitney
Visit the Website: http://www.jpfolks.com
Mail CD's @ 5327 Kit Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46237
Copyright 2012 Just Plain Folks Productions.
Just Plain Folks Member Population: 50,184
Just Plain Folks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustPlainFolks
Brian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.Austin.Whitney
Brian on Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
***************************************************
Just Plain Quotes:

"Make failure your teacher, not your undertaker." -Zig Ziglar (Rest in Peace Zig!)

"When you tell the truth, people listen." -Jose Raul Bernardo

"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act." -G. K. Chesterton

"If you're creative and have something to say, there's never been a better time to be alive in my view. We just need warriors to take that message past enemy lines and get it to the young reinforcements and veterans. That's my goal." -Brian Austin Whitney

My Take:

There's too much negativity and cynicism out there these days including in our current music world. I have 3 words for you: Knock it off!

Why? There's more great music being made right now, at this very moment, than at any other time in world history. With the right talent you could do beat poetry, play metal guitar and classical flute with a side of theremin all in the same song and STILL find an audience of people who love you, even if they are in far away places like Guam, North Dakota, Capetown and Paris. But that's just fine! Everyone's living room is a concert hall and TV studio thanks to Skype or Facetime and a video enabled internet device. If you're creative AND have something musical to say, there's never been a better time to be alive in my view. We just need warriors to take that message past enemy lines and get it to the young reinforcements and veterans. That's my goal.

But there ARE enemy lines forming all around us. The labels still wield power, but other entities have stepped in and closed ranks around us trying hard to steal away the promise of creative freedom and fair play and most importantly FAIR PAY for hard work and deserving offerings. We need the battle cry of education right now more than ever before. With our biggest weapons, mass communication and networking, we should get facts and strategies out to our peers and realize that there's a wide and diverse audience out there for nearly any and everything of interest as long as we don't allow power to fall into the hands of this new breed of gatekeepers, nor allow them to . We have to use our grassroots numbers to match the political influence those rich and powerful entities are wielding.

Please read the information below called RISING TIDES from our partners at the Future of Music Coalition. It is CRITICAL that you understand what is going on, who is trying to take away your freedoms and ability to earn a living making music all in the name of saving their own flawed business models or worse, simply to ensure their stranglehold on ultimate power over us all. We need to preserve those who want a fair and open partnership with us and cast away those who wish to control us and keep us in collective creative poverty. But we can't do anything until you know what is going on. So read below...

...then go make some great music and put it out there in a fearless and fun way.

Learn, Succeed and Thrive. We're all in this together!
***************************************************
Rising Tides: Envisioning Fair Internet Radio
Written by Casey Rae, Kristin Thomson & The Future of Music Coalition

Over the past ten years, internet and digital radio has evolved into a robust and viable business.

Services like Pandora, Sirius XM, Clear Channel’s IHeartRadio and Slacker are leading the way in delivering radio-like services to millions of music fans every day, and paying millions of dollars in digital performance royalties to rightsholders, performers and songwriters.

But as these businesses have grown, the initial licensing procedures – as outlined by the Digital Performance in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 – have become a point of contention. Pureplay[1] webcaster Pandora’s royalty bills are based on a per-user, per-stream rate (with a percentage of revenue option that would likely be higher). Meaning, they owe a fraction of a penny for every user, and every stream, the consequence being that as the business grows, so do the costs. Pandora, which states that 50 percent of its gross revenue goes to rightsholders, says that this calculation is unfair – especially when compared with satellite radio’s rate of eight percent of gross revenue. Pandora says that the differences in rates are unsustainable going forward. (Watch Pandora founder and Chief Strategy officer Tim Westergren interviewed by the Chicago Tribune’s Greg Kot at the 2012 Future of Music Summit here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvFuMhbU_8g&noredirect=1.)

Currently, there are competing bills that address the issue of radio parity in different ways.

The Internet Radio Fairness Act (IRFA), introduced by Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) on July 20, 2012, seeks to abolish the current rate-setting standard for webcasters like Pandora. The bill propses instead to calculate rates for webcasters according to the same standard as satellite radio. Currently, pureplay webcasting rates are calculated on a “willing seller, willing buyer” standard, which aims to reflect fair market rates. IRFA eliminates this approach. Critics of the bill say these changes will no doubt lead to a substantial decline in revenue for artists.

(IRFA is supported by Pandora, DIMA, and Clear Channel. It is opposed by RIAA, AFM, Just Plain Folks, SAG-AFTRA, AFL-CIO, MusicFIRST Coalition, NMPA, and NAACP).

On August 20th, Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) offered a different vision with the Interim Fairness in Radio Starting Today Act (Interim FIRST). The bill would put cable and satellite radio services on the same royalty-setting standard as pureplay internet radio. That would make cable and satellite radio stations pay higher royalty fees to musicians. Nadler’s bill also calls out the one platform that does not compensate performers and sound recording copyright owners for their music – broadcast radio. Interim FIRST would also compel some over-the-air broadcasters to compensate performing artists, albeit through a stopgap measure that involves raising the rates for terrestrial stations’ digital simulcasts to make up for what they aren’t paying for over-the-air plays. Unfortunately, Interim FIRST would not collect money owed to US performers for international plays. In a tough economic climate for domestic artists, this can only be seen as a partial solution, at best.

(Interim FIRST is supported by MusicFIRST Coalition. It is opposed by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)).

Both pieces of legislation are problematic, but in different ways. The IRFA bill, while attempting to create rate-setting parity among large pureplay webcasters and satellite radio, does so by lowering the amount that pureplay webcasters need to pay musicians and copyright owners, by a lot. IRFA also doesn’t address the lack of a public performance royalty for sound recordings for terrestrial radio airplay – the most egregious loophole in regards to “parity” out there.

Another point of contention: Section 5 of IRFA contains language that could put limitations on the ability for artists (or their collective representatives) to speak publicly or otherwise advocate for compulsory licenses over direct deals.[2] The bill invokes the anti-monopoly provisions in the Sherman Act as justification for these restrictions. This is troubling, as collective management bodies ­– such as PROs, unions and SoundExchange – offer important leverage to musicians and performers who otherwise lack input into rate-setting and other royalty negotiations.

(This issue was debated extensively at Summit 2012 on a panel called “Radio-active: Internet Broadcasting and Artist Compensation” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhn0hg2lXsg .)

Interim FIRST attempts to tackle the terrestrial radio exemption, but instead of confronting the problem head on and simply legislating that terrestrial stations must pay public performance royalty for sound recordings, the bill simply raises the rates on the digital part of the business to compensate for this gaping hole in rights. Traditional terrestrial airplay is still hugely important, and consistent airplay generates significant royalties for songwriters and publishers. A real attempt at parity would include the establishment of the public performance royalty for sound recordings for terrestrial airplay.

It is common for stakeholders to suggest legislative fixes that have a favorable outcome for their position. Typically, opponents characterize such proposals as extreme and unworkable, and then offer suggestions that meet their own needs. But this back and forth process gives all stakeholders room to negotiate and compromise on legislation that could achieve more reasonable middle ground.

We expect that the webcasting rates battle will go on for a number of months, hopefully with some compromises. FMC endorses seven core points that musicians and advocates must defend in the upcoming fights, no matter what the outcome:

1. Musicians and songwriters are primary stakeholders in these debates. Airplay on terrestrial, satellite and internet radio are an important part of musicians’ careers, not only for exposure, but also as a revenue stream via royalties paid by their PRO and/or SoundExchange. Musicians cannot just be the unwitting victims at the tail end of this process. Policymakers MUST include a variety of musicians and songwriters in these ongoing conversations.

2. Rate-setting should be reasonably platform neutral. Although business models and competition should be factored into any rate-setting scheme, we believe that no single technology should be penalized and no platform should be exempted from compensation obligations. Even if rate-setting standards are harmonized, rates may still differ based on unique market factors.

3. Direct payments to performers must be preserved. Direct payment to musicians for digital performances – as represented by SoundExchange’s direct and simultaneous payments to performers and sound recording copyright owners – is a major advancement in fair and transparent artist compensation. It is important that the direct payment process not be whittled away in the pursuit of bargain-basement licensing deals. Any proposed legislation should include provisions to ensure direct, non-recoupable payment to artists – even under direct licensing agreements.

4. Rates should balance the growth of new technologies with fair compensation for creators. It may be necessary to examine whether emerging radio technologies are able to compete against already established services. However, expansion must not be subsidized on the backs of creators who are the reason this marketplace exists in the first place. We recognize this is a difficult balance to strike, but it is a crucial one for all stakeholders. And the balance is impossible to achieve with the continued exemption for terrestrial broadcasters.

5. Musicians’ rights to bargain and advocate collectively must be defended. Without the leverage offered by collective management bodies, musicians and songwriters lack input in the process of royalty negotiation. Anti-trust law must never be abused to prevent artists from speaking up for their collective best interests.

Beyond the goals of any legislative efforts to address the rate-setting standards, FMC also encourages webcasters and digital music providers to embrace business practices that:

6. Make it easy for listeners to discover and take action. One of digital radio’s greatest assets is its ability to foster music discovery. On many services, webcast tracks are coupled with “buy now” buttons that redirect listeners to iTunes and/or Amazon for song purchases. But there’s more opportunity. Webcasters can help listeners to take action on their discoveries by displaying producer, songwriter and player credits, and connect to artists’ websites or social media, or learn about upcoming performances. Here's a petition on the Grammy site asking for this: http://www.grammy.com/credits

7. Recognize the power of data. Webcasters like Pandora have something that terrestrial broadcasters can never offer, and that’s accurate data about what music is being streamed, how often, and by whom. This is not just good for the accurate payment of royalties to a huge swath of musicians (many of whom have never seen royalties for traditional airplay), it could also be a new way for artists to leverage other sources of revenue. Pandora has already experimented in organizing live shows for artists in areas where there’s lots of Pandora airplay, and it works. Giving musicians and their managers access to data about listener engagement could provide musicians with the tools to efficiently route tours, promote new releases, build closer connections with audiences, and offer higher-priced items to dedicated fans. Access to data should not be traded for lowered digital performance royalties, but we encourage musicians to explore the options, and for webcasters to give musicians access to play data to increase the value of their streams and forge mutually beneficial partnerships with the music community.

FMC remains committed to advocating for the fair compensation for musicians and creators. We will participate in and follow the upcoming negotiations, distilling and translating information for musicians and encouraging policymakers to include musicians in the conversation.

If you’re a musician or artist advocate looking for more ways to get involved, drop us a line.
----------------------------------------------------
[1]A webcaster whose primary business is to transmit sound recordings under the statutory license, and not to sell or promote any other service or product

[2]“Muzzling Free Speech By Artists: IRFA Section 5 Analysis,” The Trichordist, November 8, 2012 http://thetrichordist.com/tag/sherman-act/
***************************************************

PS:

The bill in the house was introduced by a Republican. In the Senate, it was introduced by a Democrat. Below was taken directly off Democratic Senator Wyden's own website.
-----------------------------------
THE INTERNET RADIO FAIRNESS ACT OF 2012
Senator Wyden understands that innovation is the key to the growth and evolution of the Internet. Public policy can foster that innovation by protecting the Net from unfair and discriminatory taxes, outdated or over-broad regulations, and undue legal liability.

Unfortunately, digital services for broadcasting music are one area of innovation on the Internet being stifled. In 1998, federal laws were enacted that specifically constrained the development of Internet radio as a commercially viable service. Despite stunting the growth of innovative new business models, the legacy music industry saw a massive decline in record sales. Artist, consumers and rights holders are increasingly searching for innovative new models to better promote music and fairly compensate creators.

Senator Wyden is introducing the Internet Radio Fairness Act (S.3609) to remove the regulatory shackles preventing Internet radio from being commercially viable. He is interested in your ideas on how to expand the music marketplace in ways that promote innovation, music diversity, and better compensation to artists. Senator Wyden would like to hear from the public about their ideas and obtain feedback on the Internet Radio Fairness Act.

Please submit your ideas, suggestions and feedback below or tweet them using #FairWebRadio.


Brian Austin Whitney
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Quite a topic! My only comment here is that there is no way of knowing what side Rubio is on based on the staff letter he sent to Ben. There might be other info that would let us know his position -- but that letter is 100% non-committal on any specific issue.


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For a History of Copyright you can Google STATUTE OF ANNE. Copyright Pre-Dates the U.S. Constution. But Copyright is an on going concern so it requires minding the store. When a elected official introduces a bill it is because someone is trying to change the curent law. Most likely level headed people, of both sides will do the right thing.

Last edited by Ray E. Strode; 01/19/13 05:08 PM.

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Kevin, read my post above. Rubio is on our side against IRFA. I can't say he's always for or against other bills, but this one he did tell us he'd oppose. Read the very well written article I posted from the people who know this stuff as well as anyone can. Casey Rae is an expert on this stuff.

Brian


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Brian, First, thanks for reposting your November JPF newsletter. I probably got it in my email and just scanned it without plowing through the details. I found "Rising Tides: Envisioning Fair Internet Radio Written by Casey Rae, Kristin Thomson & The Future of Music Coalition" particularly interesting. It presented a lot of information in a coherent and easily understood form.

Obviously you know more about this subject than I do. If you've got a bucket of knowledge I've got a thimble full. So I apologize for any offense given when I said I suspected you were shooting from the hip about collective bargaining rights.

I agree with almost all of the things the Future of Music Coalition argues for now that I've learned of their views. I also found it reassuring that the AFL-CIO opposed the IRFA. If it's not good enough for organized labor, it's not good enough for me.

I don't like being told how to think or what to support or oppose. I prefer to arrive at my own conclusions after hearing the evidence and arguments. So thanks for providing the evidence and arguments from the Future of Music Coalition. Their arguments are convincing.



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I think sometimes you guys think I just hang out on message boards... only folks who know me away from the board primarily tend to have the first clue what I do and what I have already done. Don't mistaken my casualness on the boards for some amateur BS artist... I come here to get away from the serious work... this isn't the work.. it's the escape...

I take this stuff deadly seriously. And I only take my info from direct sources and people who know what they are talking about. I banter around here because I like the people and have fun and blow off steam... but I am working very hard the rest of the time.

Brian


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Thanks Brian for all that you do. You don't have to explain yourself to the majority of us, yet it is good to know that someone who is articulate and intelligent has our back. There is a short list of folks here who have these qualities.

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Originally Posted by Dan Sullivan

The National Labor Relations Act governs collective bargaining rights for workers so I have no idea what you're talking about when you say IRFA would have banned collective bargaining rights for songwriters.


I might be mistaken but I believe the NLRB only affects unionized workers or those wanting to unionize.

As for the IRFA concerning payments to performers, I think stations would seek lower rates for songwriters "because we also have to pay performers and that's just too much for us to bear when we have to pay both groups. After all, we also have ourselves and stockholders to pay."


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Great news!...Mr Rubio {who I'm already a fan of}just scored majors points with me should he make a run at the Whitehouse in 2016!


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I read a lot of letters written by the government as part of my job, dechiphering what they mean and how they impact on the community and organisation I work for... in Aussie of course...

In light of this being called a "Fairness Bill"

I'd be a little bit concerned by the good Senator's statement...

"nor should artists be unfairly compensated for their life's work."

Why the turn of phrase "Nor/ Unfairly" double negative?

My guess is that does not commit him to an actual position either way... The statement could mean he supports the Artist view they would be unfairly comphensated if the bill went ahead, or it could just as correctly mean he supports the bill, because the Artists are unfairly comphensated and get paid too much....

For the record both of those positions can be accurately represented by the statement.

If he wanted to be clear in support of Artists.. he would have said "Artists should be fairly comphensated"

Unfortunatly political double speak suits him better as does hedging...

BTW ... I support JPF and its position on the matter.




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Noel, Rubio's is a standard elected official's reply to a constituent's letter here in the USA: Thank him for taking the time to write, give him an overview of the intent of the bill, tell him the current status of the bill and let him know the office-holder will take his views into consideration should the bill come up for a vote. No offense is given. Nothing is revealed.


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He has supported the bill beyond that letter. As a cosigner of the official opposition to IRFA, and someone who has worked on this issue on the inside, he's on our side. Dan, are you REALLY that desperate to insert a suggestion he doesn't support fair compensation that you'll turn a response letter where he obviously is pleased the bill went down and wanted to let his constituent know that fact into some sort of negative or hidden agenda or conspiracy to secretly be against artists?

How about you find out why Senator Wyden wants to screw artists instead of spending time insinuating Rubio was not REALLY against IRFA. Until you demonstrate a greater set of inside knowledge on the topic than I have, please stop the partisan BS. We're already going after Jason Chaffetz (R) Utah to get him off this bill coming back around. How about a Democrat like yourself hold a Dem Senator who wants to ruin us AND wants to curtail our rights to collectively bargain FOREVER going forward and nail his ass instead of insulting someone who is actually against the bill. Your blind partisanship does no one any good on this issue. It's clear the lobbyists have gotten to people from both parties. Let's focus on those shall we? Unless you support screwing us all over for eternity just so you can take faux pot shots against an ally.

Brian


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Just wondered why I got a response from Sen. Rubio, albeit a form letter, and not a word from my other Sen. Bill Nelson. It doesn't seem to be something that Mr. Nelson is concerned with.

Dan, you're really something. After conceding to Brian's post, you still want to make a partisan issue out of this. Do us a favor and put your politics aside.

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Ben, If you'd be kind enough to point out exactly where I made a partisan issue out of Sen. Rubio's standard reply to a constituent's letter, I'd be glad to do everyone a favor and prove you wrong. Otherwise, I'll assume you've got some personal problem with me and we can leave it at that.


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Nothing personal Dan, but did you not say that Brian was right? It sure looked that way to me. But you went on to interject your political viewpoint that no one can be trusted. You just want to argue. That doesn't do any of us any good if we are supposedly on the same side of this issue.

Put your politics and intolerance aside just for awhile please.


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