ASCAP/BMI killing local gigs

Subject: RE: ASCAP/BMI killing local gigs
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 01:04 PM

I just lost a solo guitar gig in Billings, MT beacuse the restaurant got shaken down by BMI. I've been a member of BMI for over 20 years and haven't collected a cent from them, but this is the second gig they've killed for me.

Subject: RE: ASCAP/BMI killing local gigs
From: Arkie
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 01:43 PM

My understanding of the copyright laws is that licensing companies do not have to pay royalties on live performances. They are permitted to keep 100 per cent of the fees paid from live performance venues. There should be some regulation of the licensing agencies and there should be a revision in the guidelines determining payment formulas. With modern technology it is possibly to track actual media play and sales. I would suspect the proportion of private and independent sales of recordings is much larger than at the time the present formulas were put into place. It is a good thing that Folk Alliance is entering the picture to provide some weight for folk and independent performers and writers.