[HANASHIR:10946] RE: best site for Hebrew songs!

[FAVNI <FAVNI...>]

I agree with the ASK FIRST approach, it is certainly derech eretz! !!! I give 
my permission for the most part, and am happy to share music, but it is only 
basic courtesy to inform or ask. 
Nowadays when we go to copy something at a Kinko's or other centers, they 
want proof of copyright ownership or permission to use forms. Things have 
gotten very tough - similarly for music duplication. We have to sign a form 
owning the production. there are taxes now on blank tapes for that reason - 
and copyright owners/composers who belong to SOCAN/ASCAP/BMI etc try to track 
their songs. There are funds set up to pay composers royalties based on usage 
- it doesn't come out of anyone's pocket - it's part of a huge fund collected 
by these organizations from radio stations, TV and film venues, and sometimes 
concerts. The internet is still a challenge as are CD-ROMS. And some 
musicians live off their royalties.
I also know when I use other people's material for workshops, I have to 
properly credit them and usually ask their permission, inform them of the 
workshop and get their suggestions for the crediting. I know eg Marcia Falk's 
work we were unable to print any of the lyrics and could not hand out the 
music except in particular workshops without permission. We have finally 
gotten the rights to produce a songbook. Some people also really do sue!!!! 
(And it is sometimes shocking to find one's material in a songbook that has 
not been properly attributed - or on a recording etc)
Fran Avni
Producer/Singer/Songwriter etc etc
www.franavni.com
favni (at) aol(dot)com

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