[Fmpro] BMI changes

[Mark Northam]

On 10/23/07 12:06 PM, "LesHurdle" <leshurdle at avradionet.com> wrote:

> Have to take slight issue here Mark.
> 
> 1 Doug has told me he rides in the back of the bus/airplane and stays
> at cheaper hotels, I believe him since in the past, when he was
> speaking to me, I used to pick him up in Santa Monica.... NOT Beverly
> Hills.
>

A good start. His lack of action on the 1,200 signature shutout of
non-"selected" candidates for the ASCAP Board elections troubles me the most
currently. 

> 2 I think we must come to terms with the fact 'our' reps are
> underpowered at ASCAP, and allegedly those who should be on our side
> seem more inclined to go to the awards parties than actually stand up
> for instrumental composers.......... having said that, there is no
> reason why our reps can't keep us informed..... they find us quick
> enough come election time.
> Are they being aggressive.......... how on earth would we know, and
> when Doug..... who is the only one brave enough to step up to this
> list from time to time and take his licks.........  does 'report', it
> seldom has any real substance.
> 
> WHY?
> 

Most of our reps are silent on most, if not all of the important current
issues. Their lack of action on these issues is of great concern, and speaks
to either an unwillingness to act aggressively, or a choice not to. Either
way, composers have much to be concerned about. I sincerely hope our elected
representatives will come out of the secret boardroom and tell us what's
going on, what they're doing, and what position they are taking on critical
issues of composer interest such as the automatic feature performance
payment for all background vocals policy. Remember, more money for songs
means less money left for composers.

I see few who are benefiting from all this board secrecy other than the
board members themselves, who conveniently escape any and all personal
accountability for their positions and actions on the board by operating
with such secrecy, hiding the details of their actions and statements from
the membership. The "blame it on BMI" excuse for all of this has long since
been proven a red herring.


Mark Northam

---------------------------------
Mark Northam, CEO
Global Media Development Group

http://www.RoyaltyWeek.com - The Business of Music Royalties Worldwide

1-800-774-3700 ext. 702 / 310-645-9000 ext. 702
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Yahoo/Skype: marknortham  /  AIM: mnortham