ASCAP Declares War on Free Culture

“The free culture movement is abuzz today over news that ASCAP
has requested their members to fight organizations like Creative
Commons, Public Knowledge and the Electronic Frontier Foundation
over what it claims as an effort to undermine copyright.

“ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers),
according to ASCAP member Mike Rugnetta, has sent a letter out
asking its members to send donations that would go to fighting
organizations like Creative Commons, the EFF, Public Knowledge and
other supporters of the free culture movement. He posted the letter
to prove it (Part 1, part 2).

“”At this moment,” the letter says, “we are facing our biggest
challenge ever. Many forces including Creative Commons, Public
Knowledge, Electronic Frontier Foundation and technology companies
with deep pockets are mobilizing to promote “Copyleft” in order to
undermine our “Copyright.” They say they are advocates of consumer
rights, but the truth in these groups simply do not want to pay for
the use of our music.”

Complete Story