[Rumori] Thrift store recordings

[The Evolution Control Committee / tradeMark G.]

At 02:23 PM 2/16/2005, you wrote:

>I don't know if this subject has been brought out
>before but are recordings from donated tapes found at
>thrift shops protected by copyright? If I found a tape
>that someone donated with sounds of him talking or
>whatever, could I "release" it as part of a found
>sound series?  I was considering starting such a
>series but was uncertain about legalities or
>illegalities of doing that.

     Having contemplated doing similarly with loads of great material found 
in the thrift piles, I've mulled over the issues a bit.  As best I 
understand things, any (any!) recorded material is now -presumed- copyright 
unless explicitly stated otherwise.  Never mind the fact that it would be 
impossible for you to locate the "author" of the found work; never mind 
that the authors themselves gave away the master recordings to the thrift 
store (and hence, the public).  The author didn't say-so, so it's a no-go.

     Now, let's talk about reality.  How many copies ya gonna press of your 
proposed compilation?  300?  500?  Maybe even 1,000?  What are the chances 
any of those will reach someone that got included on it?  Even if it 
happens, will they care?  I've also thought that the chances of this 
happening are actually LOWER than random chance, because the type of person 
who would carelessly donate their answering machine cassette to the thrift 
store is sociologically not the kind of person that would buy and listen to 
a CD of found sounds for fun.

     In short, do it bubba.  Compile it, put it out.  Take the 
infinitesimally minor risk to share your finds and bestow joy upon those 
who would appreciate such niche entertainment.  I'll buy one!

- TradeMark G.

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