Selling copyrighted compositions; split from FFVI piano
 

I'm not sure it's legally possible to sell renditions of copyrighted music without prior permission :p

and we all know GFF is a hotbed of legality ;)

besides, nobody's sued the Minibosses yet.

Tell that to the hundreds of doujin groups in Japan.

I've been under the impression since my visits to Asia, that the definition of "copyright" is a loose, pliable, and often afterthought to the people there.

I concede that copyright is not respected as much in this part of the world. But, Mr. kareshi is located in a copyright-friendly country :)

Ah, but you see, copyrights aren't created equal. Or rather, enforced equal. In any case, we're drifting further from the subject of this thread.

To continue the off-topic trend- what do people think about people who actually record and edit game music selling CD's (as opposed to someone who simply makes a gamerip)?

- Spike

Less morally objectionable.

But still technically proscribed by standard copyright conventions.

I guess it depends on whether you distinguish between morality and legality. There's no question that it's illegal, but immoral? Considering most composers would be *honored* to hear their work performed by others, and that a lot of artists are just charging to cover expenses, I think morality usually isn't a factor.

I'd buy a dhsu CD if he made a VG piano album with Clockwork and other cool stuff on it. I would think of it as supporting the artist more than buying the music, supporting his craft of making quality VG piano arrangements.

Ha, maybe one of these days...

Well then, what about me- I know I do Western VGM, not Japanese, but I'm doing this purely for the sake of argument.

I recently got in touch with the composer of the score I was currently editing, and he's the head of EA Sports audio and a professional. He mastered the CD I recorded and provided rearranged versions for the 2 disc set, done with thousand dollar equipment. then both finally edited by me.

What would you charge for that (months of work)? I charge the princely sum of $0 ;) Not because of the morality, but the legality- if I charged for it I'm sure I'd either be sued or my community of fans would be royally pissed off.
Although I could do a limited CD edition and still put MP3 downloads, I guess..

Anyway. Just my 2 cents/insight.
- Spike

One could always go the Stemage route and just accept donations, with a donation of a certain amount receiving a free CD. That way one wouldn't be selling the CD but it's still basically buyable.

Yes, interesting idea. I may add that to my donation section.


Funnily enough, because of this thread I'm going to sort out a limited edition western game soundtrack, with mastering done by the original composer (now EA Sports audio head), signatures from the game designer, liner notes from the composer, interview with the designers, artwork bonuses, and more.

Thanks GFF for giving me inspiration :) Will be a major coup for my site. Ah the irony.

- Spike

So? What makes it illegal is distribution. It can be free, and still land you in court.

Well, court is a strong scenario. Much more likely is a cease and desist or legal threat email/letter, way before we get to court proceedings. Major game companies are far too busy to sue over a doujin CD, off-the-cuff.

I'm willing to risk it to provide my site with a big coup and the fans with something neat. I'd just go underground with the CD anyway, if there was legal action or threat of such.


Plus, on distribution being the illegal part- if you interpret the law to the letter, maybe. IP/Copyright laws are usually tied to economic loss, however (in terms of damages as opposed to an injunction in terms of remedies). With Final Fantasy music that might not be as hard to prove, but with obscure Western VGM (as I'm involved with) it's a little different. But unfortunately the dhsu's and Spikey's don't have 10 grand to go to court and test our arguments, or have millions to buy rights.

- Spike