The Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC) is hosting a public forum this evening at Toronto’s Ryerson University to discuss their proposal for monetizing music file-sharing.

The plan is outlined at http://www.songwriters.ca/studio/proposal.php and is supported by the Canadian Music Creator’s Coalition.

According to the National Post , SAC   “. . . will gather at Toronto's Ryerson University to launch the initiative and demand an immediate amendment to the Canadian Copyright Act that would establish a new right, called the Right to Equitable Reenumeration (sic) for Music File Sharing. The amendment would allow the songwriters to begin collecting fees from Canadian Internet subscribers.”

The proposal would add $5 per month to everyone’s monthly Internet subscription in exchange for the ability to download music files as they choose. SAC says that the new right is will go beyond existing private copying right because it would authorize the sharing of music with other individuals.

I am looking forward to reading the full proposal which presumably will be released this evening. I have questions about how the fee would apply to institutions that provide internet services (i.e., universities that supply tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff with internet access,  or libraries that provide internet service onsite),  how the administrative requirements might affect smaller ISPs, and how usages would be tracked. 

In addition, the details of the distribution system are crucial.  In light of recent reports about Access Copyright’s flawed distribution system (which apparently has been skewing payments in favor of large rights-holders, see comment), equitable distribution issues warrant detailed scrutiny before any proposals are enacted.

For those in the Toronto area, the meeting will run from 7-10 p.m. this evening and will be held at Ryerson’s Oakham House at 55 Gould Street.

Be first to comment this article

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Homepage
Title:
BBCode:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved