--- 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 (!) ------------------ >--- 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.)