BPI chief hits back at ISPA over villain of the year jibe
'It's an honour'
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The boss of the UK record industry lobby has hit back at ISPA today, branding it out of touch and accusing it of attempting to stall new rules which could disconnect persistent copyright infringers.
Internet trade association ISPA nominated the BPI for its annual "internet villain of the year" award "for its heavy handed approach against consumers rather than engaging in constructive dialogue with the internet industry when dealing with filesharing".
Industry observers have noted that the BPI has pursued individual consumers in the courts, although not in 2007, the year ISPA has nominated it for.
In a statement sent to The Register in response to our story yesterday, BPI chief executive Taylor said he is delighted with the nomination because it shows some ISPs are ready to negotiate on how to stop music being shared illegally.
Accepting the nod, he said:
It's an honour to be nominated as a villain of the year by ISPA for talking to their members about what we can do together to stop British music being destroyed by digital freeloading.But it seems ISPA is out of touch with its members, and out of touch with the times, because it's clear from those discussions that many ISPs are beginning to recognise that they have a role to play in creating an internet that rewards creativity and investment, and in encouraging their customers to act responsibly with music.
Government has repeatedly made clear that ISPs must get serious and reach agreements with rightholders, not just keep dragging their heels. It's clear that ISPA doesn't want that to happen, and if seeking a progressive agenda with their members makes me a villain I'm delighted to be in the frame for a gong.
But with the leader of the Opposition and the president of France also nominated, it's going to be a tough category to win.
Tory leader David Cameron and rumoured newlywed Nicholas Sarkozy are both up for the 2007 award too. Past nominees include the EU, the RIAA, and Carol Vorderman. There have been several nominations for BT over the years.
The war of words it has provoked between ISP and the BPI comes as ISPs are under pressure from the government to establish a voluntary system to disconnect copyright-infringing filesharers who continue after warnings. Legislation is threatened for November if a deal can't be struck.
ISPA says it has had "good meetings" with movie rights holders, but its relations with the record industry seem poor. The BPI's response today suggests it could be sidelined if its members break ranks in fear of laws being imposed. ®
COMMENTS
ISP's are interested in the idea.
I'm sure the beancounters involved will be slavering at this news, as it is basically going to reduce the amount of bandwidth that is used (for legal downloads or otherwise), so they can then sell this on to more people. Simple fact more people paying and not having to bother about infrastructure upgrade costs = more money in the bank. that's why they are interested. Usual lack of respect for the customer.......it means more money for us so screw the customer
What's destroying the Record industry?
I'm fairly certain it's not piracy (although I don''t think piracy helps).
No, I think that there are several factors helping destroy the record industry.
1) Formula bands: The music industry is always looking for the right formula for the "next big thing". This means they produce a lot of bands with very little to distinguish themselves from other bands. We've had all-girl pop bands, all-boy pop bands (all singers), now we seem to have a plethora of guitar based bands. Not all of these bands are bad, but most are, and, IMO, it is putting a lot of people off of music.
2) Reality show bands/singers: The problem with these is that while they are often talented, they all produce the same formula music (usually ballads). Another problem is that often, they don't have a lot of experience of performing live. This is a problem because often, as part of the prize, they get a tour. They then have to perform in front of thousands of people when they are only used to a few. This leads to boring performances. A good singer/band will have spent years performing in small clubs and pubs, and learned from those experiences (even the bad ones).
3) Compilations: At the moment, pretty much any single that hits the charts will be in at least one compilation. In the mainstream at least, why would people spend either 79p (or £3.99 for CD) on a single when they can get that one and 40 others for a tenner?
4) Firing artists too early: Recently (basically from the late 90's), quite a few record companies have been dropping artists who haven't reached No. 1 on their second or third single. They should be giving the artist's adequate time to learn and develop their own style. It's interesting to note that Madonna (arguably one of the biggest selling artists in the last 30 years) would probably have been dropped if the record companies then operated as they do now.
Oh well
Oh well after seeing a recent interview from the new comptroller of the investment and pension fund running EMI who just sacked one in three employees in the Netherlands pressing plant , I can see why they are so full of it and are a bunch of greedy clueless planks who have no idea how to own let alone operate and entertainment industry !
I would guesstimate that EMI as it stands will be stripped of all cash assets including unpaid artists royalty funds and thus become virtually dead in the water within less eighteen months as when the artists contract expire they will not renew and abandon the sinking ship ! It was noted that EMI tried to sell themselves to the big three SONY-BMG , Warner Music and Vivendi , but it would appear they too obviously thought of them as a one hit wonder with the Beatles and had one look at the books and walked out of the room !
Oh well since employees in this disorganized rabble have gained such notoriety by virtually claiming all users are nothing but a bunch of cheap pirates , me thinks their future employment will very limited when their principle benefactor dives beneath the waves of self induced insolvency !
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