So, for those who don’t follow Slashdot, British classical record companies are pissed at the BBC for “unfair government competition” by using the BBC Symphony Orchestra to record all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies, and then release them for free from their website. Apparently it “devalues” music or something. So, if I were to make my own music, and publish it for free, and if suddenly became rather popular, would people get all pissy at me for making it free? From The Independent:

“[...]the initiative has infuriated the bosses of leading classical record companies who argue the offer undermines the value of music and that any further offers would be unfair competition.”

Can’t I set the methods for distribution for my own lawfully copyrighted works? Also: I know a lot of people who’d be getting into classical music if they could find and/or afford it. Beyond Symphonies 5 and 9, it’s actually rather difficult at times to locate them. Best Buy for example has only a limited selection of classical music. It also costs a lot of money to go to a concert. Why not let the BBC do this, and be the crack dealer for classical music? Get ‘em hooked with free good stuff, then start making them pay. I understand that people have to earn a living in this world, but come on, when did making the calls as to what others can do with their own copyrighted content come into play?

Categories: Political Peawee