Idolator
As a follow up to my "exercise in missing the point" post last week about the Radiohead vs. Prince copyright controversy, the Web Sheriff showed up (albeit belatedly) to provide some remarkably nuanced information. For your reference, the Sheriff's input is behind the cut.
WEB SHERIFF
Protecting Your Rights on the Internet
Tel 44-(0)208-3238013
Fax 44-(0)208-3238080
websheriff@websheriff.com
www.websheriff.com
Hi Dan & Everyone,
Many thanks for your interesting story ... .. "My-Good-Fellow" (we hope that's British enough for you ?!) ... .. the point here is that How Do I and QueenSissy are correct - Prince actually has performers' rights in his stage and recorded performances and, as such, he's still entitled to pull these videos if he chooses to and regardless of whether or not he wrote the song.
There is a very interesting comparison to be drawn between Radiohead and Prince who, between them, probably represent the spectrum of artist opinion on the use of the internet. Some artists are very relaxed about the use of their rights on the net, whereas others are more protective, which, we'd suggest, is the whole point - it's the artist's decision (whichever way they lean) and no one else's.
We hope this clarifies the position for your readers.
All The Best,
WEB SHERIFF
I don't have a good international calling plan, otherwise I'd call the Sheriff in the UK to get to the bottom of who exactly is protecting my rights on the Internet, but is this whole operation one guy with a lot of time on his hands and a not-very-quick reaction time to Google Alerts? I'm fascinated by the personal touch. Oh, Web Sheriff, you're such a mystery. You haunt my dreams.
WEBSHERIFF's Activity [Idolator]
Comments
If this company is British, shouldn't it be called "Web Constable"?
That letter sure is a far cry from the days where you'd just get a notice that your site was getting taken down & there wasn't shit you could do but appeal. At least it proves there's a human being at the wheel.
@Jasonbob7: Web Bobbie?
@Jasonbob7: The term actually originated in England! I think it's roughly the equivalent of a Police Commissioner in the US. More nuggets like that on request!
the point here is that How Do I and QueenSissy are correct
Woo hoo! My knowledge of copyright law was confirmed by some random limey. Time to post this on my personal blog. Oh that's right, I'm the last person in America without one. I guess I'll have to settle for this post.
/Are ancient slurs of the British allowed?
/How about on July 4th, because I can wait.
In that light, does posting unauthorized content make you a Web Robin Hood? Cos that'd be kinda awesome.
Is anyone getting a Hold Steady vibe from that Carter USM video above? Where exactly was Craig Finn during Britain's "indie dance" craze?
@Jasonbob7: Robin Hood's adversary was the Sheriff of Nottingham.
@revmatty: Does this make Thom Yorke Robin Hood?
Personally, I think they chose "sheriff" because of its bad-ass, shoot-first-ask-questions-later vibe. "Constable" makes me think of a gaggle of blue-suited men in high, rounded helmets with chinstraps and whistles chasing kids around London.
interestingly, on the horsie forum i post on, a lady posted some vids of her stallions, and noted that "prince's people" had given her permission to use his music as background music.
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