[Fmpro] Bitter and Jaded

[leshurdle]

On Sep 16, 2007, at 11:59 PM, Mark Northam wrote:

>> Hey Chris,
>>
>>   As someone who has done battle on the FMPRO list, and
>>   particularly Les, I understand how mentally draining
>>   it can be.
>>
>>   Like you, I've had only the most positive intentions.
>>   Les, unfortunately, is a bitter, jaded soldier in our
>>   fight. I think in the end, he's really a good guy.
>>   Absorb his wisdom, but don't let him suck you down.
>>
>>   Keep your spirit up!
>>   Pete Surdoval

I had written a whole screed to explain what, why, how and  
maybe...........  took it off since I'm not prepared to waste time  
anymore.

But to agree with Chris and Pete S..........  who has added a great  
deal to the composer thought process.

Firstly, I am not on ASCAP's payroll... anyone who knows the inner  
workings of ASCAP would know they have no need to pay me........  I  
do what I do for free, and guess what, some of it is for them, they  
just don't know it !!

Second, I almost got voted on to the Board more than 10 years ago....  
long before Mr Wood was involved.
ASCAP staff made it very clear 'I would not be allowed to join the  
board'  !!
Imagine that.

Thirdly, Mr Alpair is 100% correct, I am bitter............  you'll  
have to imagine why and it isn't what you think.

Forth. Jaded....... right again.
Jaded, tired more like.
And really tired of the same old 'fixes' being trotted out without  
any follow up/plan etc.

Fifth.  If my attitude is sucking Chris Alpair down, then he has no  
idea what the PRO's will do to him.. especially the staff.
Emails which went to the wrong addresses a year or so ago made it  
very clear what ASCAP Film/TV execs think about some composers, who  
dare to ask or worse still, prove them wrong.

As far as MN's request goes, I've shared my stories on this list over  
the years.... very true most of them deal with ripp off's and lost  
money etc., but there was one good thing.......... via the AACO,  
composers in LA caused a Tsunami in PRO land... oh sure they'll never  
admit it, but the broadcasters told us a great deal of the 'inner yak'.
  When the ASCAP CEO is calling PRO CEO's in Europe [during the  
middle of the night] to put an end to this 'Educational' group.......  
one knows effect was made.
Did we win?
Some.
Did we lose.......... not one little bit, we just didn't get the  
support of our own....... yep, one gets jaded, burned and tired.

The post from Ruth makes it clear, Unions are not the way to go, but  
Chris,  if you all feel they are.... then start one, in Ohio.......  
Chapter 1, President Chris Alpair.
Why not?
It is your baby, your dream....... LEAD.

Do what 'we' did...........  start.

However, as we learned via the AACO, it is certain folk who rule the  
PRO's some old estates, some new.
Do any of you folk have contact with Amsong?

Some years ago I was at an SCL Performing Rights Committee meeting [I  
wont give up the names] but the nephew, of a lady who is an heir to  
one of the 'great' old time broadway estates, told the room......   
"The Estates have realized there is unrest among rank & file members  
and they have agreed to release more money".

If you understand the above, then you will know what kind of fight[s]  
you will have on your hands.
One must wonder what 'deals' The Estates have cooked up for the  
digital world.

Had a great day flying, weather was winds from the west at around 20  
knotts, which meant wave up at around 9,000' , clear skies, nice  
people, good food.
Some of them actually thanked me for a job well done ;-)

L