ASCAP sues the Girl Scouts -Reply

replyA very interesting issue. Scary really.

replyI don't know much about this, but I thought that copyright was an issue only where
money was changing hands. How can
filkers, or anyone using music for their own entertainment, be asked for money if they're not making any? Is the justification in the girl scouts case because they are paying for the summer camps?

replyI see how could be an issue at cons, since in theory, you must pay for the con to
attend the filk circle.

I fail to see how a FREE gathering in a
private home could be construed by ASCAP as copyright infringement just because it was announced. Are they going to sue
families for singing Happy Birthday at big parties because they are announced on the family mailing list? I see no technical
distinction.

replyIf anyone understands these legal issues, I'd really like an explanation. Received on 08/22/96