Muxtape - Lawsuit in a box
I’m having a great bit of fun these days wtih a site called Muxtape - a nifty site for putting together a “mixtape” of your favorite tunes, which can be compiled on a page and shared with others - if you’re really, really brave.
Because frankly, the more I think about this, the more I think it is an invitation for a record company exec, flanked by a half-dozen security people dressed like a ska band, to come into your home, take away your computer and hand you a summons for any shred of music you’ve ever created an electronic file for.
When you are on the screen on muxtape to upload a song, there is a little bit of wording that tries to address this:
“By uploading a song you agree that you have permission to let Muxtape use it.”
If I wanted to be a goof, I could say that yes, I do have permission to upload this song - now that I am no longer under my parents’ roof, I have become my own parent, and I agree to allow myself to upload a song. I don’t have the permission of Mott the Hooptie or the army of lawyers now overseeing their intellectual property, but that’s quibbling…
No, being more adult, let’s try this one instead: I bought these songs, either through the old Yahoo! Music subscription service (which I loved so dearly - you will be missed, Launchcast!) or from ripping CDs I own. So, if I own them, that should cover permission, right? Or does it?
The only people who know the answer to that question are the people who’ve already been sued. While social media has really needed an audio version comparable to YouTube for some time, the fact that I could end up on the street wearing a barrel because of my stupid music collection is what will likely keep this little gem either an obscure favorite, or something that will have a rocket-like rise and a meteoric fall.
So take note: YOU CANNOT HAVE A METEORIC RISE. METEORS DO NOT GO UP. THEY FALL DOWN.
“By using “meteor” in a metaphor, you agree that you have permission to use it correctly.”
Anyway, that is why, while I am enjoying it personally, there is NO WAY I will share with you what my page is, and the moment I even hear one story on NPR about it I am deleting my account.
I hope for Muxtape’s success - but I am a coward, and will not join in that fight.
July 31st, 2008 at 11:28 am
From my understanding, Muxtape doesn’t make any money and therefore isn’t a real target for lawsuit. The recording industry is waiting around to see if they start to make money and, if so, then take action.