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Comment by billturner | Hacker News Reader

I have a feeling that printing, filling out, and then mailing off a mechanical license for every song, and then waiting by the mailbox for the results won't make for compelling television.

I understand the message behind the weblog post, but I think it's asking a little too much for them to tackle copyright on Glee.

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You're missing the point, but it would actually make a pretty good episode. Here's my attempt:

  * RIAA baddies turn up in suits demand money
  * Glee club hasn't got the money
  * Will asks for money from Sues budget. Obviously she
    says no way. She needs to save for the hovercraft.
  * They decide that Glee club can no longer sing copyrighted music
  * Your task for the week? "Original song". Compose an original song.
  * They all do cool funky new tracks
  * Turns out the RIAA guys were listening,
    and have a change of heart they work out some deal or something.
    Maybe the original songs are *so* hot that the RIAA want in on profits.
  * Yay! all is good.

They can then sprinkle in as many of the issues and arguments about copyright as they see fit/are allowed to.

I'd prefer a script where the RIAA gets some kind of comeuppance, but your version is probably more believable ;)

Yeah I agree. It depends on how brave they feel as to how far they push. But it's definitely something that could be worked into the Glee formula.

An alternate scenario would go something like Rachel is sharing her singing on youtube and gets a court order served for copyright violation. Will decides to represent her in court since it's something he believes in passionately (And he has to be the hero). They go to court and Argue how repressive copyrights are and how they prevent people from expressing their true selves (Something Glee club is there for) and showcasing their talent.

You'd have to end with a non-heavy/funny bit though, so perhaps the copyright owner bursts in court and says he's a massive 'Rachel' fan and she can sing any songs she likes of his with no charge.

For double Glee comedic value and irony, the artist would be someone who has been ridiculously outspoken in favor of the RIAA and copyrights in real life.

(I've watched Glee too much lol)

Actually, I'd say you could combine this with my previous idea in the same show and maybe even intertwine the story lines a bit.

The only non-news show that I've seen actually get a non-satirical swing at their corporate overlord in the last few years is Leverage. Leverage, which runs on TNT, absolutely savaged CNN's Nancy Grace last summer in "The Three Days Of The Hunter Job". Of course, News Corp only owns an indy label, not one of the big ones.

This would make a brilliant show. If they do it, you should sue them.

Asking for copyright permission doesn't make for interesting real-life either. Nor does it fit with today's technology and expectations. This was the point of the article. The law needs to be changed.

Funding is a key plot point. As far I recall, this has only manifested as "we can't afford pretty costumes and special effects" (and a "we can't rent a bus" episode).

In reality, if they were tight on funds, the teacher would be telling the kids "we can't afford to do that song."

I'm sure the writers and producers are well aware of the issue - they have to deal with this stuff in producing the show. The cynic in me says they're avoiding the issue to keep the industry happy.

> "we can't afford to do that song."

The thought of being unable to sing a song because of licensing fees/fines literally sends chills down my spine.

Especially because half the time I sing compulsively, without consciously realizing I'm doing it.

I don't think it is asking too much. They address problems like "teen pregnancy and alcohol abuse" which aren't 'soft' problems. While the subtleties of compulsory licensing don't necessarily need to be addressed in detail, I think acknowledging that the issue exists would be a good step where a recording is available on Youtube in seconds instead of an 'underground' tape being passed around.

I'm sure it could be "dramatized" for TV. Say by burly men in dark glasses turning up to serve legal notices. There could even be paper cuts.

Sports Night did a great job with this issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP9U_mslaWU

(there's something strangely meta in linking to an infringing video about copyright infringement)

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