Pronouncing Band Names

Just The Disc

If you haven’t heard of JustTheDisc.com, you might want to check it out. They sell used CDs for $2.99 each. You will receive “just the disc,” which means no jewel case or artwork. But hey, it’s music for $2.99! They provide excellent customer service too. Check this out:

Date: 26 July 2007
From: J.S.Brown
Subject: Recent Purchase – Edited CD
To: customerservice@justthedisc.com

I received my order in the mail yesterday. I ordered ten discs, and those that I have listened to are all satisfactory. That is except for one- White Zombie’s Astro-Creep 2000. The disc is edited for radio play i.e. the “bad” words are scrambled. If I had known it was edited, I wouldn’t have ordered it. I am disappointed that this detail wasn’t included on your website. It’s clearly printed on the disc, so whomever responsible for logging it into the database should have noticed.

I’m sure I am not the only customer who would appreciate knowing if a CD is edited before purchasing. You should consider adding this information to your online database whenever possible.

Date: 26 July 2007
From: customerservice@justthedisc.com
Subject: Re: Recent Purchase – Edited CD
To: J.S.Brown

Hi,

I am sorry that you are disappointed with one of your selections, however without going into detail, we have a process in place that does not require much human interaction with the CD’s. Therefore it is not the fault of the operator by rather the fault of the process and more specifically the Database.

I can not and will not guarantee that this will ever change.

I can, however, offer you a replacement CD and 1 complimentary CD if you like. If this is acceptable please make your selections and let me know which ones they are. I will have them sent out as soon as possible.

OK?

Date: 26 July 2007
From: J.S.Brown
Subject: Re: Recent Purchase – Edited CD
To: customerservice@justthedisc.com

I apologize for assuming human error in your system. Thank you for your offer. I’m not sure if my disappointment qualifies me for a replacement CD and 1 complimentary CD. If you are willing, so am I. Below are direct links to my selections. I thank you.

[edit: links removed]

Date: 27 July 2007
From: customerservice@justthedisc.com
Subject: Re: Recent Purchase – Edited CD
To: J.S.Brown

Hi,

Well we feel that if you are satisfied with the Product and then “Tickled Pink” with the Service, that you will be a repeat customer…

Thanks, and the CD’s are on the way.

Music Copyright Questions

Copyright laws are necessary. I fully agree that downloading copyrighted music is tantamount to stealing. I realize ripping off a popular artist like Madonna or Elton John won’t make a big difference to their success. But much of the music I enjoy comes from much less popular genres. To them, the sales really matter. Having their music pirated could actually make it difficult for them to continue. That means their entire audience, small as it may be, suffer along with them.

These laws deal with various manners of use which are not as clear-cut as blatant theft. I have been curious about a number of scenarios for a long time now, never having been able to find good explanations. I have decided to post them here. Maybe someone knowledgeable will stop by and provide answers.

1. Is it legal to download songs from an album if I already own it on another format (cassette, 8-track, record, etc)?
2. Is it legal to download songs from an album for replacement if my CD becomes scratched or otherwise unusable?
3. Is it legal to download songs from an album if my copy of the CD has been stolen or lost, but I still have the jewel case and album art?
4. Who owns the copyright if I split the cost of a CD with a friend? Is it legal for each of us to listen to the entire album alone?
5. Is it legal to create a compilation CD that includes songs owned by multiple respective copyright owners if they listen to it together? Is it legal for any of the contributors to listen the entire compilation alone?