tim hall wrote:
Patrick, I'm finding your POV utterly outrageous.
When one has worked hard to make a very precise artistic statement, it becomes
apparent how easily it could be changed, to either weaken or completely
change the sentiment. I have written several ambient instrumental or acapella
vocal pieces that I don't EVER want to hear some f*wit put a beat to. I have
listeners who would think I had totally lost my integrity as an artist if I
allowed that to happen. If I _was_ into the idea I would release the piece as
CC-BY-SA. We have to assume that anyone who has NOT freely licensed their
music has NOT given that permission.
Well, I would have to say that if you made something that someone found
worthwhile of putting a beat too or remixing it in any way shape or form
then you just have to accept that it's inevitable in this day and age.
Art transforms over time through the application of skills and knowledge
learnt. If we get precious about other artists incorporating our work
then we are just trying to stop a natural process of evolution. From my
POV that is absolutely 100% pointless.
As an artist I love Dinosaurs and Dragons. I don't want them to evolve into
techno-lizards. If I did, I'd write Sci-Fi.
You can't stop evolution!!! Telling people they *can't* evolve your
digital artwork is like a rag to a bull.
That way you can sue if the money is worth it and keep another industry
ticking over too. Plus you get all the other benefits like being able to
say your suing "XXX" for theft of your art work while your rubbing
shoulders with lesser mortals at the next society event. And if you are
really lucky the person you are suing will be there too and you can get
really artistic and have a drunken fight or break something... I mean if
you are going to have the airs of being and important artist you might
as well revel in it... Right?
Actually, most of the people on this list couldn't afford to start proceedings
in most cases. This is a bogus argument. I have had the experience of having
my work re-used, the title changed and my name not mentioned, taking legal
action would have achieved nothing, there was never any money in the
equation. Oh, possibly I could have used the situation to get some publicity
for myself, but it would not have resolved my self-indulgent sense of honour
and artistic integrity, which is what keeps me going as an artist. This is
probably all a bit touchy-feely for a hard nosed ideas pirate to understand.
That was your decision. If you are a sensitive artistic type that
chooses not to have confrontation over your artwork that has very little
to do with anyone else. Although there would be a case for saying that
maybe you don't respect your work enough to have the passion to defend
it... I'm not suggesting that but the person who ripped you off might
get that impression and feel justified in taking advantage of you.
There's also the camp which says there are only so many hours in a day
so why waste energy on something that doesn't have financial gain...
Those of us who do spend our lives coming up with original tunes, words and
arrangements get quite used to watching other people make money from our
endeavours - The Security staff, PA and lighting crew always get paid, the
agents, distributors, venues and promoters usually take their cut and we walk
away with a bit of pocket money if we're lucky. I'm not talking about
abstract mythical music-biz scenarios that only take place in the big money
hype-driven media world, please consider the issue as it would apply to other
people on this list.
Let me put it this way:
Please don't ever remix my tunes unless I have explicitly licensed the piece
in a way that allows it.
Because I'd be hurt and confused - if you don't respect an artists integrity
why would you WANT to use their work?
Well, the liklihood of me remixing a tune from anyone on this list
without letting them know well in advance is pretty slim.
But in my book any tune which I have...
A: paid for
B: Remixed live and found a way to either improve or modify it to make a
new point
C: found a sample that helps me to save time and money
Is fair game and if I release it for money I will cover my own ass and
make sure I get permission before doing so. If I release the remix for
free, because I can, then I will get permission if I can be bothered.
Otherwise it's up to the original artist to contact me if they don't
like the situation.
If that makes me a lesser person then I can live with that. I have
plenty of so called enemies already so a few more ain't gonna make much
difference.
--
Patrick Shirkey - Boost Hardware Ltd.
Http://www.boosthardware.com
Http://lau.linuxaudio.org - The Linux Audio Users guide
========================================
"Anything your mind can see you can manifest physically, then it will
become reality" - Macka B
