anyone know how to copywrite?

[Stevebol]

Can anyone tell me how to copywrite samples? I'm working on a sample CD.I'm totally clueless about this stuff so I guess it's time to find out.

Thanks,
Stevebol

[leavings]

Samples should follow the same copyright law as all other performances and recordings. You need to get copyright form SR (online or at your public library or post office), fill it out, send in the fee and the requested material and you're done. It costs about $30. Here are two links with more details:

http://www.copyright.gov/register/sound.html

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ56.html#automatic

One tip, the fee is $30 per recording, but the interpretation of 'recording' can be very loose. One song could be a recording, or an entire album, or in your case a CD full of samples. You will receive equivalent copyright protection however you file your material, so you can save some money by listing all tracks as one recording.

Furthermore, as you'll see in the second link, copyright protection is automatic under the 1976 copyright act. If you're planning on distributing and marketing your work to a wide audience, it's worth the money for the documented protection. Otherwise, you may not need to worry about it.

Peter

[AlChuck]

Just had to point out that copywrite is what advertising writers do - write ad copy. The legal protection of intellectual property is spelled copyright.

[Stevebol]

Thanks a lot guys.It's taken me a long time to get it together as far as format,looping,recording techniques,etc....
I don't think too many people would be interested in a Tambura Soundfont but if nothing else I'll have a nice practice tool.For the loops I'm making I'm going to analog tape first. Do you think it would be more practicle to keep everything 16bit/44.1Khz when recording to computer or is 32Khz O.K?In terms of sound quality there's no difference with this instrument.
Also,would it be better to start a web site when I'm done or approach someone about making it available?I know there's a limited market,if any, for this kind of thing.

Thanks again,
Stevebol

[leavings]

You should record at whatever rate your compyter is fast enough to permit. Unless you're SERIOUSLY lacking processor speed, I would recommend 44.1 kHz. Then again, I'm not particularly knowledgeable about this stuff. There was a post in the Newbie forum just recently about sampling rates...the title of the thread is something like "what do I not understand?"

As for the web site, you may as well start preparing now. I think the best thing you can do is get straight in your head what your objective is for the site, and better yet your ideas on the appearance and design. Once you have those a grasp on those concepts, a web programmer will be much more able to help you.

Regardless, building a decent web site takes time, so get started early. That way when your work is complete you won't have to wait for a place to post it.

Peter

[stoctony]

About the copyright thing
Its called a poor mans copyright. You package your CD in a sealed envelope. Then you take it to the post office and you maHey the copyright thing. I have had to do it to a few of my CD's. il it to yourself. the post office will stamp it al always and then when you get it at home it has a date and everything on it. and it federal. There ya go Oh yeah. just make another copy incase it gets lost. And most importantly dont open it even though it is addressed to you..

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by stoctony
About the copyright thing
Its called a poor mans copyright. You package your CD in a sealed envelope. Then you take it to the post office and you maHey the copyright thing. I have had to do it to a few of my CD's. il it to yourself. the post office will stamp it al always and then when you get it at home it has a date and everything on it. and it federal. There ya go Oh yeah. just make another copy incase it gets lost. And most importantly dont open it even though it is addressed to you..

I don't believe this would hold up in court nearly as well as spending the $40 to register your copyright.

[old dan]

Originally posted by ChristopherM
I don't believe this would hold up in court nearly as well as spending the $40 to register your copyright.

Actually there is a way that works. Here's the article:

http://www.thefreedomexchange.com/content/view/38/31/

[stoctony]

Thanks old dan

[johneeeveee]

very useful article... nice- jv

[old dan]

Hey johneeeveee and stoctony you're quite welcome. I know it's saved me a ton of money.