john

Lazz I agree, but I believe there are some cases where there is a reasonable approach to artists rights. A good comp shouldn't need entrance fees. Prizes and running costs should be covered by sponsors, and advertising. On the ownership bit. All a pucker contest should really care about is that they will not be charged for playing entered tracks, including letting the public hear the winning entries, and that they can produce clips of that material as part of promotion. The ability to resell the track is not ok. Most competitions, and others, don't clarify it legally. They simply stipulate that they can do anything they want with the submitted track. Songstuff is very careful in the contests that it links to, and it doesn't really actively push any of them. I've thought about running contests, but aside from the actual overhead I would need to get a lawyer involved to make sure that I was being fair to artists, without exposing Songstuff to possible legal proceedings. There is a great deal of benefit to be gained for artists in competitions, but a lot of costs, both direct and hidden., On balance there are a few worthwhile comps, that don't overly exploit the artist, and the benefits for even the starting competitor is tangible. Unfortunately these are few and far between. On the cost to the artist. Many artists are prepared to cede the profit from a recording to a promotion exercise. i.e. if I give this track away for free, people might just notice me and the rest of the Music. But this tends to be only that recording, not the actual arrangement or song. As you rightly point out, parting with the rights is a whole other issue. But lets face it, these guys look for those who are gullable or desparate. If a service is free, doesn't place unreasonable restrictions, and truly does provide a tangible benefit, then for me that's cool (Songstuff more or less runs like that) If it costs, it still shouldn't place unreasonable resctrictions on artists and their material, it should provide a very tangible benefit, but it definately should be endorsed by respected organisations (preferably by sponsorship), and they should be built on a pedigree of respectable reputations. That rules out about 99%. Put it this way. I've never entered a song contest. Cheers John

Hey With so many 'dodgy' songwriting contests, publishers, labels, promoters etc. what services on-line do you think are genuine, and a good opportunity. Do you have any experience with any? Are ther ones you would definately warn against? Lets take it that all Songstuff support is genuine and present lots of good opportunities, so you don't need to mention them! Cheers John

I'll look forward to it. What are you studying in C++? Cheers John

Hey Just thought I'd follow up and see how you're getting on. So, how's the recording going? Cheers John

This looks suspiciously like a free ad for a commercial product...

Hey I understand the scarcity is primarily to do with worn out pads. Apparently the contacts were pretty poor, and the kits weren't very responsive. The dynamics just weren't there even when they did work! Cheers John

I was contacted by the same mob back in mp3.com days. What a joke. I pity the poor suckers who fall for it. Cheers John

And well desrved too. I just wondered how many sites, types of download etc. were involved, and more to the point how this is resolved geographically. So someone in Japan downloads an mp3 from a uk based dot com site. What chart does this go in? Just a thought. Cheers John

Good points John.

Hey Apparently downloads are now being used to help compile the weekly pop charts, and they are being more closely watched now than before. Does anyone know mutch about how these charts are compiled? Cheers John

Hey Apparently AltNet are suing the RIAA for copyright infringement. Pretty soon it'll be like watching a tennis match! Cheers John

Hey Sorry, I just found this post. I've never used it, but I've heard good reports. For me, I use my sampler for sub-bass and bass sounds. It's versatile enough to work for several roles in a mix. What sort of budget are you thinking of? Cheers John

Thanks Steve! I don't suppose you've tried it? Cheers John

Hey I was hoping to get recommendations for a good video or dvd on slide guitar, particularly for delta blues. Any recommendations? Also, if anyone has any recommendations for online resources on this subject, can you post the details here? Cheers John

Hey Tom I'm not sure about a template. To be honest you're probably as well looking at the published bios of established artists and using them as a guideline. Will they be taking photographs, or are you supplying your own photos? I would consider supplying a brief overview and a fuller bio of the band. The content greatly depends on your band accomplishments, and to a degree the emphasis or spin that you want to give it. If you want, why not post your bio(s) here and we could offer some crit? Cheers John

Didn't it come with copy and paste shortcuts? That aside, I find it interesting, I've just been elsewhere...

Hey Guys Thanks. Does anyone have experience with the ones Steve mentions? Cheers John

Sounds good H. Now if only I had the money...

Hey Chris A good point... Cheers John

Sal I hate to tell you this, but it is very likely that it will cost more than $500 for all the gear. To keep the budget to a minimum an SM58 will get you started, as will a 4/6 channel mixer. You should be able to pick up a second hand Soundblaster AWE 32, and you should be able to get an entry level sequencer from either Steinberg or Cakewalk. This should provide all you need to get started recording onto a PC and give you the opportunity to learn all about PCs and Music. You have to start somewhere! Do you have a keyboard, or an acoustic piano? Cheers John

s'alright. I know you're trying...

Hey Any recommendations for online services for musicians? Cheers John

How about mis-information packages then? Come on you lot! Cheers John

Sorry dude. No. But then again, I don't get out much. Cheers John

Thanks guys. Anyone else?