Are you aware of the CARP proposal? If not you should be....

[Smilestir]

What would you do if the music you have come to enjoy on the net was gone tomorrow? This is a question we all need to ask ourselves. If your music is important to you as an artist or a listener I encourage you to become involved now!!



www.kurthanson.com/index.asp



This is a very good place to read. He does an excellent job on breaking down & its updated daily.

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"These regulations will render "music player software" like Winamp, IMNetworks, Apple Itunes, and the likes useless as there will be no webcasting - these regulations are intended to wipe out streaming on the internet. Its time for a class action lawsuit. The regulations will put thousands of workers and businesses out of business. Also note that these fees will be retroactive to 1998. This is the biggest threat to Freedom of Speech ever seen."

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This is it in a nutshell, all the sites you have grown to love. Signed & unsigned artists alike that never got the exposure they deserved will be (once again) be booted out!



KEY points:



*per song/ per person charge (even if the song buffers or skips as opposed to a fair % of sales or flat fee for startups to nuture the economy & growing business



*the above music sites, already well established, as well as live365, will shut down.



*The dot coms have already been hit hard by the economy & struggle to survive. Those still around show promise, the decision needs to be realistic as to what will work for the health & opportunity for all!



*the big 5 will have monopoly of the web, once again closing the doors to not only indepenedent artists but also those on their roster that are not quick money makers.



*Indie artists might as well just start packing their bags too...the big 5 will force prices so high on you, it will be useless & unaffordable.



*people will lose their jobs in an already present recession.





What can you do? Plently!! The change long needed in the music industry is in our hands! Write/call your senator, congressman & the copyrite office (they will make the final decision). Bring up the above points, tell them your experience of music on the web as a buyer and/or listener, and most important...let them know you are watching & you take this very seriously!!



Again, the above info can be used. I will be doing a more formal writeup as well as making my listeners aware via my broadcast. The biggest job we have is to spread the word & let ppl know how this will affect them right now; fans, friends, family and other artists. I don't think ppl know that this is a critical point! Above all, state facts that the person can relate...not the poor me I'm going down emotional side (save that for private).



PS, for those out of country- it affects you too. The copyrite office needs to hear from you!!

A Rockin COOL Cafe' 2

[MIKE BURN]

That's a very interesting topic!!!



Thanks for posting!!!!!

MIKE

[Smilestir]

My pleasure Mike. It's a very important turning point for all of us. It just gives me the willies to see what "could" happen if this thing goes through as it is written.



I think the broadcasting world was the first to hear of it, but it really does affect us all. (