It’s fall again and you can be sure that the leaves ain’t
the only things changing these days. No… it’s the times. Finally, it’s
the times. With no further ado let’s get into the heart of what’s been
up at FMC in the past six weeks.
Hello again. It’s hard to believe how much we’ve tackled
in the five weeks that have passed since the last newsletter; from participating
in the webcasting debate, to moving forward on our health insurance study,
to filing comments with the FCC. Chalk it up to persistence, concern,
and more hours of daylight. Now, shortly before this newsletter’s release,
we get word from the US Copyright Office that the Librarian of Congress
has rejected the CARP proposals regarding webcasting rates and reporting
requirements. While the Office’s announcement did not include any particular
reasons for the rejection, we assume that the collective effort made by
webcasters, artists, and citizen groups to include their voices in the
debate has had an effect on the process.
Who can believe it’s almost summer again in Washington, DC? The "budding"
music-tech activism and "full-flower" of legislative comment
requests are so prevalent right now they are giving the cherry blossoms
a run for their money. Actually, we wouldn’t know about the status of
the cherry blossoms; we’ve been watching the changing season through the dusty windows of our
laptops. Hey, it may not be as breathtaking as a dogwood tree in full
bloom but changes like the ones we’ve been watching are always beautiful.
Check out the newest success stories.
Things are humming along at a swift pace in Future of Music Land. It seems
like every day brings new revelations in the music/technology space —
from the Copyright Office, to Judge Patel and now even the Supreme Court!
We’ve linked to many of best articles in various sections below.
In addition, the Future of Music is busy with its own projects; from organizing
another speaking tour, to conducting research, to participating in public
events and writing articles.
We would first like to express our condolences over the recent passing
of Billboard magazine editor Timothy White. Tim’s passing on June 27 was
a devastating loss to the musicians’ community. Tim had shown incredible
courage in world of publishing by keeping a watchful eye on an industry
that ultimately supported the magazine’s livelihood. He will be sorely missed.
The Future of Music Coalition shares the contemplative spirit of this
holiday season and hopes that this period of reflection will inspire 2002
to be year of regrouping, education and collaboration between the legal,
artistic, academic, technical, and business communities.
As for a recap of last years highlights, even in the midst of economic
downturn and strife within the artistic, technology and business communities,
FMC managed several significant achievements for an organization that
was under-funded and barely a year old.
WASHINGTON — The Future Of Music Coalition and Georgetown University’s Communication, Culture and Technology Program recently announced the Second Annual Policy Summit — taking place on January 7 and 8, 2002, at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Nationally-known musicians, lawyers, artists, academics, and policymakers will come together to debate some of the current issues surrounding digital technology and artists’ rights. Last year, more than 500 participated in the event. read more
The Future Of Music Coalition is pleased to announce the Second Annual Policy Summit – taking place on January 7th and 8th, 2002 at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Over 700 musicians,
lawyers, artists, academics, and policymakers will come together to debate
the most contentious issues surrounding digital technology and artists’ rights. read more
So much has happened in the past month that this newsletter
seems a bit inconsequential. FMC hopes that you and yours are safe in
the aftermath of the events on September 11th. In the face of the continuing
uncertainty that has always been the climate of the human condition we
embrace the future and recommit ourselves to the task of trying to effect
changes that might improve the lives of citizens and musicians.