The MPAA & RIAA On Private Copying
The Motion Picture Association of America and Recording Industry Association of America have issued a join statement against the circumvention of copy protection for private copying.
On page 47 of their February 10th, 2012 statement the associations claim that there is no need for an exemption (in the States) because copies are available for purchase for numerous devices and “the inability to access a work on the device of one’s choosing is a mere inconvenience that does not justify an exemption“.
At the moment Canadians are not eligible to obtain “low cost” copies from most of the DVD/Blu-Ray programs mentioned in the American report.
We do have access to some digital copy titles. But these are generally included in the more expensive film packages (i.e “combo packs“) and many of these digital copy titles are time limited.
I believe digital copies with expiry dates are unfair to the consumer, who purchases the right to copy the material to a computer or portable device.
The ability to perform a digital copy is prominent on the packaging of these “combo packs” so it only logical to conclude that the consumer sees this ability as a feature and has chosen to purchase these “combo packs” for the ability, at extra cost.
That said, a nominal cost to perform a private copy would probably be the best option for the consumer.
Software is the best option for individuals who wish to make multiple private copies. But the entertainment industry should probably consider advertisement funded private copies to reduce the cost of a private copy after an initial purchase of a DVD or Blu-Ray disc by the consumer.
Whilst downloading a private copy a consumer could be shown numerous commercials for products or upcoming film and television features, like those found at the beginning of most DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.
Another option would be to offer Canadian consumers free downloads from existing services, thus promoting the sale of paid products on those services. There are numerous services available to Canadians including Bearshare and iMesh, who offer music videos, and iTunes and Netflix, who offer music and film downloads.
Some digital copies are available from these services and I suspect cloud services will become the consumer’s choice when it comes to private copying in the future, as it enables consumers to download or stream content on numerous devices.
Government Spam Reporting Center Almost Here
The government’s spam reporting center is on it’s way, according to Postmedia News.
Unsolicited commercial emails, faxes and calls have been illegal in Canada since 2010 but enforcement has yet to kick in. This center will handle complaints in regards to this activity.
More Boxing Week Specials
Amazon UK
and HMV UK
have just gone online with their Boxing Week or post-Christmas deep discount sales.
About Face On SOPA for GoDaddy
GoDaddy has reversed their position in regards to the Stop Online Piracy Act according to an official statement issued today :
“Fighting online piracy is of the utmost importance, which is why Go Daddy has been working to help craft revisions to this legislation – but we can clearly do better,” Warren Adelman, Go Daddy’s newly appointed CEO, said. “It’s very important that all Internet stakeholders work together on this. Getting it right is worth the wait. Go Daddy will support it when and if the Internet community supports it.”
The Stop Online Piracy Act was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on October 26, 2011 and would enable the U.S. Department of Justice and copyright owners in the states to impose American law on foreign sites by compelling American search engines to remove links to these foreign sites, by disallowing American advertising on those sites and by severing payments processed by American facilitators like Paypal.
Google, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo and numerous other groups have voiced concerns about the ramifications of this legislation, including some Canadian groups who believe the United States could attempt to isolate countries whose copyright laws are not compatible with theirs.
The Forever Yours Charity Single
As you may or may not know, I’ve been a member of Youtube since 2006. And today I thought I’d bump a charity single entitled “Forever Yours” by fellow Youtuber Alex Day, also known as Nerimon.
I am particularly fond of the hilarious BillTV-Mickeleh Remix, having known BillTVMacon for a while, and the Stefan Chin Remix, which has already charted at #10 in the Electronic music charts here in Canada.
Free Music Download Offer
eMusic had added another $5 credit to their trial offer. That’s $10 of free music to new users, which translates to about 20 free MP3s.
These guys have over 13 million tracks in their catalog, many of which are $0.49 each after the 7 day trial.