Webmasters giving away songs by artists such as Jello Biafra,
Billy Bragg, Marco Capelli, Michael Franti, and Krist Novoselic
are receiving harrassing letters, emails and faxes from people
claiming to be agents of corporations like KODA and NCB saying
they must stop unless they begin paying fees.
So far it doesn't matter to these corporate officials that
the artists want people to receive their music for free, without
even so much as a nominal fee.

Story developing.

Check  http://www.frucht.org/musicforfree.html
for background and early information.





In related news:

"In 2000, we finally succeeded in obtaining a tariff approval
and in collecting 1.7 mill. DKK for the use of music for aerobic,
dance and exercise in commercial exercise centres. Unfortunately,
KODA had to go via the bailiff's court that issued an injunction
against two of the largest aerobic chains of the country."

[ref]=[  http://www.koda.dk/usr/koda/kodaweb.nsf/default?OpenForm&URL=sider/home_english ]

"KODA wishes to a still higher degree to take into account the
intentions of the legislation on concert halls - an equality of
the rhythmic music with any other serious art forms and a coherent
solution for the whole professional music environment including
the first link of the music food chain - the composers and songwriters.

--ibid. (annual report 2000)



[/journalism]
[opinion]

What's the logical next step;
levying a fee every time some
little girl asks me to sing her
brother or sister "Happy Birthday???"

[/opinion]