They're at it again, but this time in another area. I don't know how many of you are also musicians, specifically guitar/bass players, but I know there are some. For years there has been a written version of music for guitars/bass (called "TABS") which at varying levels of detail and accuracy provide the fingering and notes/chords for popular music, most of the time but not limited to rock, since that's what most guitarist are into.
With the Internet, these tabs became much more readily available with dozens of sites from which you could download someone's version of how a certain song was played. There was even a site which had software not only for creating tabs, but which allowed you to modify AND actually play the version so you could hear it. Not only great for being able to PLAY songs but VERY helpful for improving listening and music reading/writing skills.
No longer.
The MPA (Music Publishers Association) has done to most of these sites like the record and film industry has done. Claiming copyright infringement, they have threatened not only to sue, but the CEO was quoted as saying people should go to jail. So many of these sites are now going dark.
You know, one of the reasons I've used these sites is that YOU CAN'T FIND ACCURATE SHEET MUSIC FOR EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!! If good versions were available, (and you didn't have to pay for a whole book full of junk) I'd buy it. How can the publishers be upset over people "infringing" something that they themselves haven't even made AVAILABLE?
Is it just me or do we need to tell corporations and their lawyers to just take a chill pill!
What's the latest on the issue for modeling companies?
Tom
