The Always-Helpful Web Sheriff Drops By

Dan Gibson | June 6, 2008 1:30 am
As a follow up to my “exercise in missing the point” post last week about the Radiohead vs. Prince copyright controversy, the Web Sheriff showed up (albeit belatedly) to provide some remarkably nuanced information. For your reference, the Sheriff’s input is behind the cut.

WEB SHERIFF Protecting Your Rights on the Internet Tel 44-(0)208-3238013 Fax 44-(0)208-3238080 websheriff@websheriff.com www.websheriff.com

Hi Dan & Everyone,

Many thanks for your interesting story … .. “My-Good-Fellow” (we hope that’s British enough for you ?!) … .. the point here is that How Do I and QueenSissy are correct – Prince actually has performers’ rights in his stage and recorded performances and, as such, he’s still entitled to pull these videos if he chooses to and regardless of whether or not he wrote the song.

There is a very interesting comparison to be drawn between Radiohead and Prince who, between them, probably represent the spectrum of artist opinion on the use of the internet. Some artists are very relaxed about the use of their rights on the net, whereas others are more protective, which, we’d suggest, is the whole point – it’s the artist’s decision (whichever way they lean) and no one else’s.

We hope this clarifies the position for your readers.

All The Best,

WEB SHERIFF

I don’t have a good international calling plan, otherwise I’d call the Sheriff in the UK to get to the bottom of who exactly is protecting my rights on the Internet, but is this whole operation one guy with a lot of time on his hands and a not-very-quick reaction time to Google Alerts? I’m fascinated by the personal touch. Oh, Web Sheriff, you’re such a mystery. You haunt my dreams.

WEBSHERIFF’s Activity [Idolator]

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