[Fmpro] ASCAP bashing

[Mark Northam]

On 4/29/08 7:51 AM, "Pete" <musical411 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> No need for me to apologize for ASCAP, in this case,
> they've done nothing wrong.

Glad to hear you've finally come out in support of all the controversial
composer payment policies and the practical elimination of the independent
candidate petition process, Pete. While we disagree on those matters, I
respect you for voicing your opinion that ASCAP "has done nothing wrong" in
terms of these policies.

> ASCAP has a set of rules which every member agrees to
> when they join. ASCAP follows those rules. You don't
> like those rules. So, you re-interpret them and
> characterize them in a negative light with
> intentionally inflammatory phrases like "divert
> money", "suffering composers", "financial oppression"
> and "outrageous treatment". You're an excellent writer
> and good at that.

Thanks. Unlike you, I believe there are many serious problems with ASCAP.
And as such,  when it comes to composer royalties and Board representation,
believe it's my duty to help inform and educate people as to the ASCAP
policies I believe are not in the best interests of composers.

> 
> But, ASCAP isn't going to change the rules to suit
> your personal ideal. You're free to follow "smart,
> well-informed" Ted's lead and hire a lawyer or join
> BMI instead. Nobody has a gun to your head.

Democracy, at ASCAP or elsewhere, is much more than a "personal ideal." It's
a system of basic fairness where individual rights are cherished and the
rights of individuals to have fair and proportionate representation in open,
free elections is a fundamental right.

My concern goes way beyond my own royalties - if I were to join BMI it would
do little to solve the problems I believe composers face at ASCAP.

If enough members complain, ASCAP will have no choice but to change their
policies, and it's my right as an ASCAP member to work for reform and
change. As far as I'm concerned, I believe most composers if, given a
choice, would choose to change the prejudicial rates and policies they are
paid under at ASCAP for score music within TV shows. I also believe that
most ASCAP members, if given a choice, would reject the elimination of
independent candidates by petition from the ASCAP election process. One of
my jobs as an advocate for composers is to help educate and inform composers
so that they CAN make that choice if they choose to do so in an informed
way. 

> 
> Me, I'm making a living as a Composer thanks in large
> part to being a member of ASCAP. I'll stick with that.
> 

I respect your right to do so, Pete, and I hope you'll just as equally
respect the rights of others who disagree with ASCAP composer policies to
work publicly for change and reform at ASCAP.

Best,

Mark Northam