Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Cut and paste from an e-mail I received:

1) Take action, by contacting your Washington Representatives directly. You will find their names at this link: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/...ory/congdir.tt.

2) Sign a petition reflecting your disagreement with the Copyright Royalty Board's decision: http://www.petitiononline.com/SIR2007r/petition.html

Thanks for your interest!
Jim

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Jim,

I have done both things. I have email all three of my Senators/Reps and signed the petition. Aural Moonies - Unite - Make your voice heard!

Ted

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

This is my comment......

"No one is being harmed by internet radio. And the artists will not benefit by this legislation. In fact, THEY will be harmed. Please do not tamper with a fine product that only serves the public interest."

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I've already sent email to both Senators and signed petitions as well. Fingers crossed...

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I was about to sign and saw "US citizens" etc... :\
What exactly is this ? I'm not sure to understand what's going on. Can someone tell me a bit more to clarify ? It doesn't sound very good (to not say it sounds bad)...

[EDIT]Ok, nvm, it is completly clear now, I found another article... (http://www.1.fm/Community/tm.aspx?m=7428) This is really bad news. I have two more questions now to ask :
- What about Aural Moon precisely ?
- Is there anything Aural Moon/Internet Radios listeners who are not living in U.S. could do ?

:aua:

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

My suggestion for non US residents would pick a Senator... (Maybe Hillary Clinton, since she is running for prez she can be put on the spot) and write a polite letter stating that you are from another country and since Internet radio is a worldwide phenomenon, you are distressed that a decision like this will ruin internet radio for people all over the world. etc...

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Don't waste your time on her; the only thing Hillary Clinton is concerned with is Hillary Clinton.

There are some more prominent Senators and Congresspersons that are not concerned about the White House that would be better bets.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Suggest a few names VAX and let me know how to contact them and I will. This is a bit of a hot potato and needs to be handled well.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Exactly. Same here, and I guess one friend will be ready and maybe friends of this friend etc...

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Sorry Jim. This is sickening.
This is the goddamned RIAA, trying to stop the hemmorage.
I'm seeing a lot of effort on my, and many other indies
circling the bowl along w/ you.

Here's a link to better explain the situation to all-
http://www.saveourinternetradio.com/about/

One thing I may have missed, but didn't see mentioned,
is that the ruling is retroactive to Jan. 2006....
meaning that station owners owe someone a ton of money
even if they halt operations immediately.

My guess is, they'll drag RadioParadise, or one of the other biggies
into court, make an example of them to scare the crap out of
the rest of you.

The only solution I can see is to decentralize the server points
stream directly from multiple sites/computers ala some of the surviving
DVD piracy sites.
Vax- Is that possible?

K

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

hey KW-

You don't know this government, do you? :eyes:
You can't imagine how much "lobbying" $$ was thrown into
this by the RIAA.

The only option of this being "handled well", is akin to the
final scene of "Frankenstein".

:-V

Kirk

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I'm concerned with the ripple-down effect this will have. There are stream replication services that, once people start taking down their stations, will fail. In turn, these replication services are big subscribers to internet pipeline providers. This CRB decision will affect many things. Even *IF* every track that falls under the auspices of the RIAA was removed from the Aural Moon library (removing AM's indebtedness to these bastards), I fear that the replication services -- being hit by others pulling out -- will increase fees. I think we are all in a no win/no win situation unless the CRB reverses this rate decision. As I see it, we all have a snowball's chance in hell of that happening. Sorry for being the harbinger of such a dismal destiny.

*If* there was a viable and affordable replication service outside the US, it would be a possible avenue to avoid this "blood money leeching" from the RIAA leeches.


FWIW, I did write my 2 senators (both worthless shits) and my congressman Chris Smith.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Agreed. The RIAA's losing billions per year to the CD's decline.
Internet radio's easy pickings compared to Itunes, ect.
which is controllable by crawling into bed w/.

Or move the ISP/server to a Euro site, former Communist-
bloc country, or the Phillipines...?
http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/tech/isp.html

I'm not that up on this end of the tech, but maybe i can
get lucky, spark an idea.

K

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Here comes another round-

Musicians Campaign for Free Internet
By DIBYA SARKAR, AP Business Writer
4 hours ago

WASHINGTON - Sensing a revolution in the way Internet traffic is managed, rock musicians find themselves in the unusual position of defending the status quo.

Independent, lesser-known musicians and smaller record labels launched a nationwide campaign Tuesday to support the idea that all Internet traffic should be treated equally, which they said is under fire from providers who want to charge a fee to have some Web sites load faster than others.

The Rock the Net campaign, made up mostly of musicians who are on smaller record labels or none at all, said they're fearful that if the so-called "Net neutrality" principle is abandoned, their music may not be heard because they don't have the financial means to pay for preferential treatment.

Some said they don't want to pay. The Web, they said, has allowed many unknown musicians to put their music online, giving fans instant access to new music and giving bands greater marketing capabilities.

They said independent record labels are also on an equal Web footing with major players like Apple Inc.'s iTunes.

"It could be a pretty sad world where money alone buys the ears and anybody that can't afford it, can't get proper placement, is pushed off to the ghettos," said Derek Sivers, owner of CD Baby, an online store that sells compact discs by independent musicians.

K

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

OK, da cat is outta da bag...

Tomorrow's theme is insanity. If you think all of this RIAA control is crazy, I would like to point you all to http://www.embraceinsanity.com There is much food for thought at this site.

Everything that is good and wholesome is eventually corrupted by greed or law or both.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Here is the response I got back from one of my Senators:

From: "SenateWebmail@cornyn.senate.gov" <SenateWebmail@cornyn.senate.gov>
To: tacneil@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:04:51 PM
Subject: Thank You For Contacting My Office

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Neil:

Thank you for contacting me about the important issue of music performance rights. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important matter.

As you are aware, rapid advances in communications technology have led to the development of digital television and radio, as well as subscription satellite television and radio services. These new capabilities expand the range of choices available to consumers; subscription satellite radio is one of the most successful examples of quickly advancing technology. I welcome such consumer-driven innovation and enjoy a personal satellite radio subscription.

As expected, technological innovation also brings with it the threat of copyright infringement. While recent technology advances represent important achievements, we must, on principle, protect the intellectual property rights of those responsible for such innovation. You may be certain that I will continue working with my Senate colleagues to strike a balance between copyright protection and technological advance and that I will keep your concerns in mind should the Senate consider relevant legislation during the 110th Congress.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator





517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Ted, you obviously must have written a clear and concise note. The reply is probably as good as it can get.

As someone who has tried to work with legislators on traffic issues, it is extemely difficult to carve out time. Although he warns that the decisions may not be favorable to what we seek, there is at least a basic understanding and attention. At least it doesn't sound like he's blowing smoke up our asses.

I'm sure everyone knows someone in the political, medical, or law field. Although usually money drives everything in life, it doesn't necessarily make these professions evil. I can appreciate my cousin's husband (a State Senator) - although being a total 180 to my political views, is a nice family-oriented man.

Ted, you missed your calling...nice work!

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

OK... this needs translation:

Oh shit! Another US citizen writing me about something that counters what the RIAA's deep pocket, money driven lobbyists want me to do and to whom I am far more loyal to than any citizen.

OK, I've responded with my crocodile tears hypocrisy. Oh intern! Please come here as I have something for you to file in the circular file.

Corporations like XM Satellite radio and Sirius Satellite Radio have crawled into bed with the government to force feed you, and for a fee too, the same pablum shit you were getting before from free over-the-airwave commercial radio.

These new capabilities expand the profits extractable from the citizenry; satellite radio is the best example of this because it lured people into a false sense of belief that it was different from over-the-airwaves commercial radio shit. Same old shit but now you get to pay for it!


We will decide what you will hear, and see, and make absolutely certain that you pay for it too! Look, it must be good for you as I am doing it too. Come on, you're just another stupid common citizen! Surely you will fall for the lame bandwagoneering argument I've just imparted.

As expected, technological innovation also brings with it the threat of freedom of speech and the free expression of ideas. Holy shit! This is america, we can't have the citizens actually having any real freedom.

While recent technology advances represent important achievements, we must, on principle, censor any free ideas and thoughts, and restrict the rights of those using such innovation as the internet.

You may be certain that I will continue working with my Senate colleagues to strike down any freedom technological advances provide using the strong arm of copyright protection to bolster the profits of corporate america.


...and I don't give a rats arse about your concerns. I am too busy trying to legislate more ways to fuck the american public.


Now go crawl back under whatever rock you crawled out of and leave me alone to the special interests and lobbyists.

Bugger off! Long live the RIAA!

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

No, he's shoving a proverbial fist there! Naïveté.

Perhaps you never heard the old cliché: Money is the root of all evil!

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

While you're post is witty and amusing, and I appreciate the time you took, please don't spend any time responding to mine. I'm just complimenting Ted.

I fully understand the process and the fact that he probably didn't write the letter himself - naive is certainly not one thing I am.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Hey Rick & Vax,

It is 'love of money" that is the root of all evil. Money, by itself, isn't evil. Only when we desire what is not ours, and hurt others to get it.... lots of things in life are like that.

2 cents for now...

Don't quit making your voice heard.

Ted

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I contacted my 3 reps with, more or less, one of the form letters posted regarding this issue. It was short and to the point as I didn't want to challenge my reps with a tiring reading exercise. I've received no response whatsoever. So, in that regard, I suppose Ted deserves to be commended.

You said, "...it doesn't sound like he's blowing smoke up our asses." and I had to say that it is pretty naïve to think that. If you would have visited the Embrace Insanity link I posted earlier, you will see that EVERYTHING Mr. Cornyn wrote is exactly what they want you to believe. Watch this brief video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66PbSzwnLes(§) from the Embrace Insanity web site. The RIAA wants full control over what you will get. The internet carriers want full control over what you get. And, of course, the government wants full control over what you get. Hmm. Reeks of collusion to me. FDR's thought police are still running amuck!

(§) This can't be true! Nowhere does it mention Al Gore and we all know HE invented the internet.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I thought you hated You Tube? :knowing:

I didn't see any concrete solutions on there just complaining.:zzzzz:

"They"..."they" is "Us".

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

News to me. :???: What about gefilte fish and licorice?

I'd already stated when I first posted that site's link that I do not agree with some of what is there. For example, I find it more than a bit hypocritical to rail against the machine and then request that one to become one with the machine in order to join their mailing list. (yahoo or google lists)

The point is there are many salient points in that brief video. Having been around pre-CIX (launch date the 1st of Endless-September), I have seen the internet erode. The first big offender was AOL with its AOL "members-only" content... but, AOLers could salt the rest of the internet with their unique brand of netiquette (notiquette).



Huh?

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

He's got ya there.

I only wish I shared in your optimism.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Dante Alighieri popularized the seven deadly sins in his Divine Comedy.

Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride.

Money is just a modern mechanism for the measurement of these sins. Lust for it. Greed to a acquire it. Gluttony for more of it. Envy of it. I'm sure you could probably apply the rest of them too. Money, itself, is just a medium of exchange. When one says money is the root of all evil, they speak to the various sins as I've described.


As for Optimism, I used to have abundant optimism. I think my cistern of optimism was finally drained dry the 3rd year I was in federal court. Remember David and Goliath? No, not the silly claymation, the story of little David doing battle with the giant Golliath. It is JUST a story. That's why my optimism is all dried up.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Roger.Lee,

sometimes Optimism is all I got - so I cling to it - same with faith - but as with all things, this too shall pass - something my mother-in-law taught me.

What bothers me most - this sort of reminds me of 'prohibition' - the more you restrict it - the more people will resort to illegal means....

I still think more of us can make our voice heard.

Ted

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I guess you haven't heard-
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...toryId=5411449

That bed could use an electric blanket!

The owner of RadioParadise ('you think Jim has problems!)
made a statement this week that under the new plan,
he'd owe $650,000 next year...!
As the new law is retroactive to Jan.'06, he's
likely looking at "grab yer ankles and grin" time.

Pees

K

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

:eek:

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I find it difficult to imagine a retraoctive law being enforcable when there was no willful malice.:hrm:

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I've been reading and rereading Title 17 and, specifically, the sections which apply to these "royalties". A law is not enforceable ex post facto. This is not technically a law; it is that the LoC CRB granted an increase of fees already being collected. It may be that since the RIAA petitioned the LoC CRB and it took 2 years of their (the RIAA's) coercion of the LoC CRB to get their way, these fees may actually be applicable retroactively.

Gawd I hate lawyers. What is needed is a class legal action by all of the internet radio stations to get this nonsense put to bed. Sadly, it would require a really good IP lawyer(s) to squash this. I'd wager that if everyone who enjoys listening to internet radio coughed up $10 for the stream they are using, the collected amount might be enough to retain such legal representation. I'd caution against this because lawyering is about 2 things and 2 things only: greed and money. Once retained, these lawyers would drag this on ad infinitum -- if they could -- but the money on "our" side would be quickly depleted and we'd all be back in the same proverbial fecal infested waterway without a handheld propelling implement.

Trust me on this. I spent 3.5 years in US Federal Court (Fed. Justice Garrett E. Brown). When everybody's pockets were emptied, the parties went off feeling ill-used and the lawyers well funded. Judge G.E.B. remained the fuckwit he always was.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Agreed, vax but isn't there two levels at play here? For dinky little outfits like us, we don't receive any profit, just donations to cover costs. If the ruling goes through, I guess we'll just stop what we do and only play independents. But certainly there'd be no retroactive "damages" against us.

I'd rather just react and adapt, and not pay any money for representation also, but for a different reason. There are a few lawyers that will take a case like this on its merits. But it wouldn't be worth my time and effort if it cost me money without the guarantee of results. It isn't worth my time to stress over.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I wonder if this issue could be cast in such a way as to get the EFF interested? IIRC the EFF legal team works pro bono so that would remove the money-grubbing lawyer worries. In fact it looks like they're already involved with fighting the PERFORM act which seems related albeit maybe even worse:

https://secure.eff.org/site/Advocacy...rAction&id=221

Here's an overview page regarding their involvement with fair use and DRM, not sure if the rate increase issue would fit under that umbrella, but it might:

http://www.eff.org/IP/fairuse/

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

" From the blog of Chris Thomas, founder of Palo Duro Records: "The U.S. Copyright Royalty Board has established a royalty proposal for webcasters (internet radio) which is absolutely insane, and will effectively wipe our the last remnants of passion-driven music programming from North America.

"This irresponsible government policy will push a tremendous growth opportunity and potential economic boom for the music industry to offshore locations immune to, and even defiant of, artist/label rights."

Despite where the signal's actually streaming from,
I'm thinking they're going to have a tough time busting
a station that technically originates from outside the jurisdiction.

Vax- let's figure out some blows against the empire.

K

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

I wonder what the electrical configuration requirements would be for a server in Afghanistan.

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Oh, very droll !:yougo

I don't think you have to go quite that far.
Canada (so far) has flipped off the RIAA at
every turn, including P2P file sharing.

http://www.boingboing.net/2004/03/31...a_cant_pr.html

So, let's look for a solution.
After all, it's only Jim's money.:knowing:

How about offshore co-location?

http://www.offshore-web-hosts.com/?g...FQqgYgodBycIkg

http://www.offshore-web-hosts.com/colocation.php

"Offshore Legal Services based in Panama
Offshore is an international term meaning not only out of your country (jurisdiction) but out of the tax reach of your country of residence or citizenship; synonymous with foreign, transnational, global, international, transworld and multi-national. By hosting your website offer you are able to receive all of these benefits and not be under the direct jurisdiction of your resident country. This is particularly of interest to businesses who do not wish prying eyes to view their online transactions".



K

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

good stuff from David Byrne

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Hey Roger-
How's it going?
'Been squeezing any music into the schedule?

Thanks for the link.

I sincerely hope no one's holding out for Congress to
fold on this one, but I guess if internet radio's going to roll over
and die, it's a great time to be an indie, eh?

P e a c e
kirk

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Just FYI, my written response from proNJ Congressman Chris Smith re the RIAA/CRB rate increases:

http://www.tmesis.com/no_crap/

Re: Take action! against recent copyright ruling
 

Before somebody reads this URL and thinks that I believe this letter is not crap, please let me explain.

I've been talking about a grass-roots campaign of public awareness... much like the Embrace Insanity group is doing to combat the forces trying to make extinct the ideas of net-neutrality. I called the link /no_crap for my plans to get a movement underway entitled: No C.R.A.P... for No Corporate & RIAA Approved Radio. It fits since most radio is crap and controlled by the Corps and RIAA.

I am dismayed when I check, each day, the progress of the net petitions. The numbers seem to be hovering under the 50K signator mark. I feel that there are more people who would be concerned about this IF they knew about it. Distribute fliers, both physical and electronic, explaining what is happening to our freedom to listen to what we want to listen to and that it is being taken away in the interests of the Corps and RIAA. We are getting shortchanged in the same way as the artists represented by these leeches. Spread the word! No C.R.A.P.

More on No C.R.A.P. later...