The following has been written not as a lecture but as a compilation of important points that affect many of us. Please take the time to read it and help in preserving/perpetuating a vital part of the music scene.
Over the past few years, and thanks in large part to the generous policies of the Grateful Dead, Phish, Allman Brothers, Radiators etc... we have seen a great increase in the number of bands allowing live concert recording. Fortunately, many respectable tapers and traders exist and have a great deal of integrity. They willingly record and copy music to share the spirit of live shows. Unfortunately, there are several ways that we could lose this priviledge. Many of us, who have been recording for a long time (and some newbies as well) are quite concerned about some issues. The buying and selling of tapes, careless trading, and non-cooperative attitudes toward security and fellow audience members hurts our cause.
First and foremost, when bands allow live taping they are "sharing" or "lending" their music. But, make no mistake about it--even though they are lending their music so that it can be shared, they maintain OWNERSHIP of this music. No one has the right to assign a monetary value to this music except the band, the band's representatives, the record company etc..
Especially with the proliferation of the internet and with the increase of
high quality tapes (thanks in no small part to the increase in tapers who
make digitalmasters) there seems to be a corresponding increase in demand for tapes in general.
In light of Jerry Garcia's recent passing there no doubt will be an
increase in demand for Dead tapes too. Many newbies or others
desperate to get live music may offer cash for tapes. Tapers, no matter how tempting this may seem after one has put tons of time and money into
recording, must never accept this. Similarly, to those who are seeking that one elusive show, that stellar first show, or whatever show turns up on a "bootleg" offered for sale, please don't "buy" it. Seek out a "live tape" from a taper or a friend of a taper. Chances are the "bootleg" will be of inferior quality anyway. Additionally, the person who released or made the "bootleg" likely does not care about the music and has, without the least bit of concern, risked the demise of the live taping scene as a whole.
Similarly, by buying a bootleg you reinforce the "bootlegger's incentive"
to keep making and selling "bootlegs." When you sell or buy a tape and it
becomes a "bootleg" you have substantiated the record companies' worst fear (ie. that the sale of bootlegs will rob the artist, the songwriters, and the
record company). Remember the law is clear against unauthorized duplication especially when money is involved.
Further, don't forget that the exchange of money in relation to "tapes" is where it goes from authorized duplication to unauthorized duplication. Finally, please buy (not copy) the artist's commercial albums if you're going to make tapes or receive tapes of that artist. This way you prove that you will buy the commercial albums in addition to checking out live tapes. This gives the artist and record company the incentive to keep allowing "live taping." Live tapes often times spread the word about the live shows of good bands. This translates to increased ticket sales and more money going directly into the pockets of the band--more so even than the sale of their records.
This is not intended to be harsh or rude, but even the use of the term "bootleg" to refer to a "live tape" (one that is not being bought or sold commercially/legally) is extremely harmful. It implies illegal recording and copying for money. Anyone doing that is not living up to the deal which allows free copying of live music.
Help us all by spreading the word that live tapers are not bootleggers and that live recordings are not intended for sale. Please do not buy unauthorized "bootleg" cd's and discourage others from doing the same. It will lead to the demise of authorized live taping.
Additionally with the advent of DAT and other digital formats, it is
virtually impossible to keep a clone from falling into the wrong hands.
Remember any clone can be used to master a CD.
To keep the bootleggers from succeeding and to preserve our increasingly delicate and fragile privilege to tape we must make tapes available to lots of people, and again, discourage buying/selling live tapes for profit. After tiring of people offering to buy tapes from us on the recent DMB tour we tried to instigate a plan where the grovellers would get together and start a tree or at least cooperate with each other. This way the taper only has to make one copy and the grovellers can share the burden of the copying. If you see people abusing the implied etiquette of live tapes don't be afraid to correct them. Everybody benefits from "live tapes" and everybody loses from "bootlegs."
One final note from the pedestal (sorry)--we must be considerate at events where recording is allowed. There will likely be whiners in the crowd or potentially jerky security. This whole taping thing is new to them. They see it as an inconvenience and see our stands not as beneficial but as an obstruction to their view. Be kind to people and offer tapes to those who are inconvenienced. This indeed takes more time but it turns potential enemies into friends who will thank us for our hard work.
Happy mastering, trading and treeing!!!
Please copy, attach your name, and forward this notice.
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