--- Forwarded Message from Ralph Schultz <[log in to unmask]> ---
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 16:49:41 -0400
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Ralph Schultz <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #7156.1 permission to make audio CDs (!)
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>--- Forwarded Message from Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]> ---
>
> >User-Agent: Microsoft-Entourage/10.1.1.2418
> >Date: Mon, 19 May 2003 09:33:56 -0700
> >Subject: Re: #7156 permission to make audio CDs
> >From: Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]>
> >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information
>Forum <[log in to unmask]>
> >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>
>------------------
>We have asked a few folks unofficially and most of the publishing
>companies seem to frown upon it, because students can copy so much
>onto a CD.
Ralph Schultz
Language Technology Specialist
University of Virginia
> > I am wondering if anyone has ever asked for permission from publishers
> > to make audio CD copies for students. We have been making cassette
> > copies for students upon request. Audio CDs would be an extension of
> > this, but somehow I feel that publishers wouldn't allow CDs to be
> > copied. The latest editions of books we are using for next year only
> > come with Audio CD programs. I could make cassette masters of the CDs
> > to copy for students, but fewer and fewer students have cassette
> > machines.
>
>As you describe, students want and need audio in digital format. Publishers
>ought to give digital permission if they would have given cassette
>permission. The only difference is that digital is (much) easier copy
>(unless protected by proper streaming etc. and/or digital rights
>management), although even with language cassette tapes, students have been
>known to copy at 2x or 4x (1 to 1); 16x (1 to many -- yes the same kind of
>high-speed copiers in language learning centers have been rumored to have
>been used in frat/sorority/dorms); and even a well meaning student digitized
>cassettes (that he acquired legally) and placed the audio on a web server
>for his own use (but it was exposed to the world). Perhaps we will be able
>to use some sort of digital rights management ala Apple's Music Store that
>allows use on portable devices, and personal copying for self-use CD-A's.
>Granted, while some of this is digitally protected/limited, some of it
>involves the honor system.
>
>Even with cassette duplication rights, language learning centers
>historically have wasted too much time with negotiations. Large scale
>publishers ought to realize that audio is a loss-leader, and not worry about
>it, that the revenues will come via the text and workbooks. Even when they
>try to sell audio in the bookstore, I've heard that it doesn't sell that
>much (here, anyway), and also that the bookstore often won't stock audio
>because of small and/or unpredictable sales.
>
>The way to approach it is to get digital copying rights set up during
>negotiations *before* a text is adopted. This is the only time one has
>leverage. If one publisher won't give rights, use another book whose
>publisher will. This of course involves strong cooperation between the
>language learning center and the language coordinators, which is sometimes
>difficult, and won't work in all cases.
>
>All that said, there are smaller publishers who claim to rely on audio
>revenues, and there are some publishers who refuse any duplication rights --
>often ESL in my experience. And I wholeheartedly believe in intellectual
>property rights (see <http://mixonline.com/ar/audio_feedback_18/> for a good
>read on music copying). I just believe there is a way to make digital audio
>happen easily and keep (at least) most publishers happy at the same time,
>and save everyone a lot of time. But perhaps we don't want to deprive
>students of that bonus tape hiss ;)
>
>Bob Majors
>(These opinions are mine and don't necessarily reflect those of my
>employer.)
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