[Fmpro] Doug Wood, that jerk!

[Doug Wood]

Hi friends,

I was away for a few days and I don't have the internet at home so I was a
little surprised to get to work this morning and see the recent posts in
response to mine. Wow!

My post was intended to clear up what I believe was some misleading
information about how broadcasters pay for music (they don't pay per
minute), to provide some historical context, and to give my opinion that in
the long run broadcasters represent more of a threat to the future welfare
of composers than the members of the ASCAP Board who are regularly demonized
in this forum. 

People who know me and my background know that I have spent more than twenty
years working on these issues with positive results; that I brought a
successful protest against ASCAP, that I have helped bring tens of millions
of dollars in PRO money to instrumental composers, that I formed a
non-profit to educate composers and paid for it with my own money (no
publishers were ever involved), that I have worked to help ASCAP members get
issues settled and royalties paid (including Mr. Hurdle), that I stood up
publicly when that was the best way to get things done, and that I continue
to speak out publicly for changes at ASCAP while I work inside the Board
room to make ASCAP better. Some people appreciate that, some don't,
apparently. 

Those who don't know me might want to take some of the outrageous statements
and stories about me with a grain of salt. I was absolutely astonished to
read some of the things posted here over the past few days. I really don't
understand what makes people do these things.

For those who want to talk to me directly, here's my phone: (516) 883-0121.
My cell is (516) 423-6021.  If you feel I've ducked out of the discussion,
or if I can help you in any way, just pick up the phone and call me.

I received four emails from ASCAP members who want to participate in a
conference call this fall. If there are more interested members, please let
me know off the list.

Doug Wood 

The views expressed are my own and do not reflect those of ASCAP, its
directors, management or staff.