Originally Posted By: Mark Hayes
The forum rules don't just prohibit copyright violations. They say, "You are allowed to post links to your own original songs." (emphasis added)

You're correct - AFAIK the goal is prevent copyright violation.

Modifying the language to clarify that would be helpful, as would information on how to obtain rights.

PG Music generally polices the forum with a light hand, and forum users tend to be the ones who remind people about the rules.

I've seen people who have posted music that they don't own the copyright post the information about their license in the song post.

People who have used Public Domain music often will say that as well. Janice and Bud come to mind.

But the use of Public Domain songs can become complicated because the version that someone may think is under Public Domain may not be because it uses an altered melody or additional lyrics. The original material will place that particular version under copyright.

So, for example, J&B will often include some history of the song, and an explanation of how their version is based on the PD version, and not a more contemporary version.

Given the complexity of determining and demonstrating the rights to a song, it may be simpler to keep the prohibition as it is.

But I think your suggestion is a good one.

-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?