New to this forum... A fan for many years.

[NAtlantis]

:D
I am new to this forum but I have listened to and loved the CBS RMT for many years. I am very impressed with your site. I am in the process of adding a CBSRMT/OTR page of my own to my much more primative site.

I am interested in learning more about the legal aspects of sharing/trading/listening online and would like to get the feedback of this group on the subject.

Perhaps we could have a discussion about credible resources for such information. I have a collection of OTR and I would love to share, but at the same time I do not wish to violate anyones standing copyright.

For example I read Himan Brown's personal website, it seems that he does not approve of a lot of the activity that has been taking place on the internet. I understand and appreciate his perspective, people selling such materials would seem to be clearly in violation of his rights. However, how about we traders/sharers?

On the one hand this activity has made the show increasingly more and more popular, on the other hand perhaps if Mr. Brown eventually attempts to release the entire series will people pay for what they have acquired through trade? I would apprectiate any feedback on the matter.


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[Charlie]

Hello NAtlantis and welcome aboard.

When you get your page going be sure to let me know and I will add it to the links on the main page.

I can not speak to the copyright issues on any other programs, but on CBSRMT, I did speak last year (by e-mail) with Melina Brown (http://www.himanbrown.com/links.html) (who is also a member of these forums) about some web sites that were openly selling recordings of the programs. She indicated to me that people involved in that sort of activity should expect to be contacted by their lawyers. She also said that Mr. Brown had always tried to reasonably support collectors and traders where money was not changing hands.

I can not speak for them in any way but that is what I interpreted from that e-mail exchange.

I had bookmarked some web sites that were selling the programs and I checked back on one a few months ago and noticed that all mention of CBSRMT had been removed from his site. He was still offering other programs - so, I imagine he was contacted.

I lost my bookmarks when my hard drive crashed so I no longer have that list of sites where the programs are offered for sale but a quick search could reveal some people who are selling the programs and I personally find that to be dishonest and I would assume that the courts would as well.

I will not knowingly link these pages to any site that offers the programs for sale. I have no intention of profiting from the work of others or allowing others to do that through me. That is one reason that I openly offer everything I have on Streamload for free - ask and it's yours - no charge from me. It's a great way to get around these people and let them know that you won't buy from them what you can get for free.

I personally would have no problem paying someone enough to cover postage, CD's, etc., and even a few dollars for wear and tear on a CD burner for helping acquire programs. That's a far departure from [b:87406a3470]profiting[/b:87406a3470] by selling the programs which were simply recorded when broadcast.

Unfortunately, I have received a few e-mails from people that want to "buy" the programs and when I tell them that it is not legal to do that they have informed me that they don't care - they just want the programs. I just cut them loose at that point because I do not sell.

If the studio quality programs were offered for purchase by Mr. Brown (if I could afford them) then I would be interested in purchasing them. That would be a great thing to own. But, I also like listening to the on-air recordings as it reminds me of actually listening to the radio back in the 1970's.

This is just my opinion on what you asked. You could certainly e-mail Melina from Mr. Brown's web site and get the official word on that.

Charlie

[vgarci]

I sure would like to hear a definitive answer on this topic as I certainly don't want to do anything illegal. If trading is illegal, I'd definitely stop but it would be a great loss to all of us. I'd personally be very glad to pay Himan Brown for original recordings but in reading his site, these aren't available and won't be available unless enough people show interest. I think that the best chance to revive the interest such that a sizeable market is established is to allow trades. -vince

[Charlie]

[quote:619126d547="vgarci"]I sure would like to hear a definitive answer on this topic as I certainly don't want to do anything illegal.[/quote:619126d547]

I had occasion to speak with Melina again yesterday over another matter and she said this:

[quote:619126d547="Melina"]Im actually not against trading...but I am against anyone profiting and selling entire collections of RMT MP3s that are likely poor quality as the masters are with us.[/quote:619126d547]

That should clear it up for now.

Charlie

[vgarci]

Charlie,
Thank you for keeping things on the level by talking directly and frankly with Melina.

vince

[NAtlantis]

Charlie I am very glad to read this. Thanks for digging after more information. I let a lot of time pass after posting this before finally getting a chance to look in on the follow up. It would be a shame to keep such wonderful entertainment from people who have the greatest appreciation for it. I noticed that Melina was a member of this forum. I wonder if you could persuade her to pay a visit from time to time? Perhaps we could arrange for an online interview with her. I am sure she must have a tale or two she could relate to us that would be of interest. I have had only one communication with her, that was at least 1.5 years ago via e-mail. I will attempt to find the text to see if there is anything worth transcribing for the group.

John (NAtlantis) :042: