RIAA
sends IM to all: Stop stealing music or else
If
the RIAA has their way, the next thing you'll know is that you can't
listen to music or write to your friends about what to get in music
on the internet. The agency is on a mission to stamp out any and
all users of the file sharing software system. The latest episode
- an IM notification.
The Recording Industry Association
of America, (RIAA) along with two other music organizations (not
named), has employed the instant messaging function on certain peer-to-peer
networks to send notes to those they suspect of infringing on their
copyrights. The unexpected IM warns users of such programs as Kazaa
or Grokster that trading copyrighted songs is illegal and hurts
songwriters and musicians and that by running the file-sharing software,
users might expose their computer and private files to the world,
and it suggests uninstalling the software.
"The music industry's
instant message campaign is designed to inform people that distributing
or downloading copyrighted music on peer-to-peer networks is illegal;
that they are not anonymous when they do it. They risk legal penalties
if they engage in this illegal activity," said RIAA President
Cary Sherman in a statement.
The message reads:
"It appears that you
are offering copyrighted music to others from your computer. Distributing
or downloading copyrighted music on the Internet without permission
from the copyright owner is ILLEGAL. It hurts songwriters who create
and musicians who perform the music you love, and all the other
people who bring you music.
When you break the law, you
risk legal penalties. There is a simple way to avoid that risk:
DON'T STEAL MUSIC, either by offering it to others to copy or downloading
it on a 'file-sharing' system like this.
When you offer music on these
systems, you are not anonymous and you can easily be identified.
You also may have unlocked and exposed your computer and your private
files to anyone on the Internet. Don't take these chances. Disable
the share feature or uninstall your 'file-sharing' software. For
more information on how, go to http://www.musicunited.net/5_takeoff.html.
This warning comes from artists,
songwriters, musicians, music publishers, record labels and hundreds
of thousands of people who work at creating and distributing the
music you enjoy. We are unable to receive direct replies to this
message. For more information about this Copyright Warning, go to
www.musicunited.net.
Source: MTV.com
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Billy
Paul wins case in back royalty fees
Grammy
award winning singer Billy Paul
has won a major legal victory against the legendary songwriting
& production team of Kenneth Gamble
& Leon Huff (Philadelphia International Records).
Mr. Paul was awarded $500,000.00
by a Los Angeles jury for his classic recording of "Me
and Mrs. Jones." "It
was a stunning victory for Billy" said Steven
Ames Brown, his lawyer. "The jury awarded him
$12,000.00 more than we requested." "I'm so glad my
path to justice has finally come to an end. I've been waiting
years to be paid for my recordings," said Billy Paul.
"This case firmly establishes
the rights of singers signed to small production companies to
receive 50% of the money earned by the major labels that distribute
the records there is no question that Billy Paul's royalties had
been improperly calculated for many years," said Seymour
Straus, the New York expert witness retained by Mr. Brown.
"The years of deception
and excuses are over and Billy Paul will from now on enjoy the
fruits of his talents," said Mr. Brown. "Los Angeles
jurors have no patience for deadbeat record companies," he
added.
Gamble & Huff and Sony
are expected to appeal the decision.
- Source: Soulpatrol.com.
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Bob
Marley's dread fetches $4,000 at auction
-
A dreadlocked strand of the legendary Bob
Marley's hair was sold at auction in London on April
30th for £2,585 (an estimated $4,000), according to reports.
The four-inch lock was
cut off by Marley himself and given to a loyal fan after a
gig in 1980, the year before he died of cancer. But according
to his Rastafarian faith, Marley's hair should never have
been cut - Numbers 6:5 states that a dreadlock symbolizes
devotion to God.
No surprise then that
the twisted strand fetched a record price for the hair of
a dead music icon, achieving more than double is estimated
value.
A spokesperson for Christie's
said: "Memorabilia like this does not come on to the
market regularly. It's intriguing because it is a part of
his body and a very personal gift.
She told The Independent:
"The lady was a great fan, but over the years her interest
has waned." Another
Marley lot available in the auction - a 12-string guitar used
on his 1978 'Kava' album - failed to sell.
Source: dotmusic.com
