"Greetings sports fans. First I want to thank everyone who sent their good wishes. This was probably the toughest week I've ever had. I came through it stronger, but changed. Not sure how much I want to write about it, but I did want to acknowledge, as soon as I possibly could, that it meant a lot to have so much support. Just got home a few minutes ago. One step at a time. ";->" [Scripting News]"
You were miss sweetie! Go kick back and read that ton of email you've accumulated.
Yesterday the Chief Librarian of the Library of Congress (LOC) published the their Summary of the CARP Rates for webcasters and broadcasters. This document is written in enough legalese to make a lawyer's eyes cross when trying to make sense of the rates.
While I admit I've read more legal documents than I care to admit, this one is about as clear as mud.
The LOC did not understand a thing they were told at the CARP Roundtable last month. May be it's possible they didn't believe the webcasters. I'm not sure.
But it is clear: webcaster's can not afford CARP.
On the other side of things RIAA has always had very unreasonable expectations on the value of the music and the recording industry they represent. While ASCAP and BMI can be open to discussions, RIAA's like talking to a pit bull. Until cornered they have never been open to a discussion or compromise. It is an attitude of superiority that eventually will be their downfall, as shown by their current position that the CARP fees aren't enough.
Bull shit. When every webcaster files for bankruptcy and broadcasters goes offline will that be enough for RIAA?
This is where they are headed. Too bad they can't read the signs.
By RIAA not being willing to compromise the body count is going to be high, the number of artists and labels who will never see airplay will only add to the heap, and the only one who will make out are the bankruptcy attorney's who do what they can to protect the webcasters who tried.
Okay several of you have written asking why I haven't commented on the CARP Ruling yet.
Simply put: I ran the numbers and was completely stunned. There is no way a webcaster can pay these fees and remain in business.
The LOC did not understand the breath and depth of the situation as explained to them at the CARP Roundtable last month.
There are no exceptions for college, educational, community or not-for-profit webcasters. Pity. They just threw the baby out with the bathwater.
The only way this can be resolved is by taking it into the DC Court of Appeals, or have Congress write another law and get it passed. No matter what both resolutions will take time. Time webcasters do not have or they are liable for the previous 2 years worth of fees that must be paid by October 20, 2002.
I suspect a considerable number of webcasters will be visiting bankruptcy attorney's in the next 30 days in record numbers. It's the only way they can protect themselves and their family.
And I suspect the broadcasters who are also webcasting will turn off Internet Radio as soon as the bean counters figure out the damage.
