Karaoke Forums

Answer just this ONE question -

What positive difference have you made in the karaoke industry - that benefits all of us - as a result of you calling the manufacturers?

Jclayton, I am not trying to argue with you. I am restating what the legal documents say. I would certainly hope that Joe from Zoom was not misleading anyone .....I personally have not seen Joe from zoom state they were buying worldwide licensing but that does not mean he did not. I question the validity however because Zoom, Sunfly , Mr Entertainer will not allow direct purchases of downloads to USA KJ's but any KJ in the UK, Australia ect are not blocked from purchasing those downloads from sites owned by those manufactures. I recently tried to purchase a 25 disc package from zoom that was advertised on Zooms FB page..and was advised they could not ship them to the USA, now I possibly could change my IP address , get a credit card issued in the UK and buy downloads from them...... If he had in fact purchased licensing directly from the publishers that was worldwide why would these disc packages be restricted?

This discussion made me go over to zooms FB and do some reading. the jukebox series they were selling on eBay would only ship to the UK, and they posted a notice that all newest volumes (volume 23 onwards pop hits) will no longer be offered on disc and sending people to the Select-a-track site to order customs..... Select -a-track blocks sales to the USA and Canada also... why would they turn away money IF they did have worldwide rights from the publishers?

On August 8th zoom offered 20 artist discs for 30 pounds including taxes... the ad itself states we can not ship to the US. All of this would lead me to assume that even with Joe negotiating directly with the publishers the USA is excluded from the licensing otherwise he would be racking in the big bucks selling to all us KJ's how have very little access to new songs of quality.

They are already making it next to impossible for US karaoke makers to do anything.

38. Alternatively, the SLEP Defendants have materially contributed to and induced the unlawful use of Plaintiffs' sound recordings, or have failed to exercise their respective rights and abilities to control the conduct of those responsible for the infringement, thereby deriving a financial benefit from the infringement.

James Nailed it. There are all kinds of ways to steal and what the Rights holders are doing certainly qualifies. What some here do not understand is, they won't stop at just going after downloads and they aren't. They are already making it next to impossible for US karaoke makers to do anything.
This tale could be written as a modern day Robin Hood and Athena is gaga eyed all over the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Music IP Reform Music IP Reform Music IP Reform

As for Sony, I believe they are referring to the Music Rights, which were given to them. And the claim that SC failed to control it's customers is flat out laughable. They are the only ones that have tried to completely and totally control their produces. But, Sony tends to think otherwise.

I have had a positive influence in opening dialog with the publishers that helped them see that SOME kj's were concerned about the industry, they are now aware than not all of those who provide karaoke entertainment are thieves. The KJ's failed to police themselves and stop the problems, The manufactures acted too late to have any real impact on the piracy issues, therefore it stands to reason that the rights holders must be the ones to police the industry. The last thing I think any KJ wants is for those rights holders to just say F it and shut the entire industry down. I was not the only one who had enough gumption to contact them to ask by a long shot, my contribution was positive and valid. I have been accused of being many things but never a ostrich or a coward.

I am certain that Sony's lawyers know and understand the difference between the copyright in a composition (which you are referring to, and which Sony may own or control) and a sound recording (which is what the complaint refers to, and which Sony does not own).

I am certain that Sony's lawyers know and understand the difference between the copyright in a composition (which you are referring to, and which Sony may own or control) and a sound recording (which is what the complaint refers to, and which Sony does not own).

If Athena has that much power and influence then I think we need to send her to Washington to straighten out the government.

I think that people who blame her for this have their heads in the sand and aren't looking at what is happening in every other area of I.P. The people who control rights or hold trademarks or copyrights have been trying to sort this out since world trade and the digital age exploded. There has been court case after court case dealing in everything from watches, shampoos, books and yes, music even other than karaoke. Piracy and the competition from cheaper foreign imports are what is driving this. The powers that be are trying to retain their control and power.

Athena has been trying to make us aware of what is already going on. You are shooting the messenger. And a few of those taking aim might look at their own actions. Does coming on here saying you are going to do what you want to do and you aren't worried about legalities appease or inflame the rights holders? Does bragging that you will take the risk and continue to buy from places they have said aren't legal appease or inflame them? How about making fun of people who are trying to understand what is going on so that they can run their business in a legal manner? I would have to think that publically stating that you will do what you want and encouraging others to do the same would cause just as much if not more of an inflammatory reaction as someone who has simply asked for clarification on how to legally utilize someone else's intellectual material in their business.

We make our living providing karaoke and have done so for many years. Maybe someday your wish for digital product will occur but until it does happen original manufacture DISCS as archaic as you find them to be offer a layer of protection.

Now a question for you Chris what have you done that had a positive impact on the karaoke industry as a whole ?

Nothing. I never claimed that I have.

Oh yes that is correct you stated you promote downloads that are contentious at best because you believe/feel that the industry was left in the dark ages too long.... Gee I wonder how that kind posting makes the publishers feel ? They do read these forums you know. I seriously doubt it gives them a positive opinion of some KJ's or warm fuzzy feelings.

I know I have made a positive impact for the industry as a whole...I have no need to lay it out for you or anyone else.

And Yes he did buy his music instead of stealing it.

Can you comment or do you have any idea why the Karaoke Channel is mentioned in your complaint when Sounchoice/Sleptone no longer owns the copyrights to those sound recordings?

I am sure everyone here cares about the feelings of Microsoft, Chase Bank, and Chrysler. Those poor folks need our love and attention.

They know that their lobbying of congress and working the system to maintain a draconian hold on copyrights isn't doing any favors for anyone but themselves. Me saying that they are in the dark ages isn't news to them and I don't believe for a minute that anyone on their end who might be reading this is doing anything but smirking.

Don't back peddle, Athena. Don't give us a non-answer to a question then make a claim and then withhold proof. Like many of us, your contribution is extremely localized. I contribute on a broader scale through these forums. Unlike you, I have never tucked tail and run when I face criticism.

The last thing I think any KJ wants is for those rights holders to just say F it and shut the entire industry down. I was not the only one who had enough gumption to contact them to ask by a long shot, my contribution was positive and valid.

It is plain that Sony conducted no pre-suit investigation at all about most of its allegations. Sony didn't even list the correct address for SC's headquarters--something that changed more than a year ago.