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From: bch@unc.UUCP (Byron Howes )
Newsgroups: net.followup
Subject: re: Copyright Violations
Message-ID: <6934@unc.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 17-Mar-84 22:50:37 EST
Article-I.D.: unc.6934
Posted: Sat Mar 17 22:50:37 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 18-Mar-84 08:34:51 EST
References: <6284@decwrl.UUCP>
Organization: University of North Carolina Comp. Center
Lines: 19

I scarcely think that posting the lyrics to a song to the network -- a medium
with thousands of readers -- can be justified as "fair use."  In the partic-
ular case of Weird Al's "Eat it," it is *precisely* the lyrics that must be
protected.  They are the only valuable part of the satire.  I expect, had
anyone bothered to check, that you would find the copyright laws protect the
lyrics from distribution (not just sale) in any form through any medium.
Playing a song at a music party does qualify as fair use in that you are
(1) not performing the song for profit and (2) not distributing the work in
any tangible form.  While I suspect intent may be used as a mollifying 
influence once a case has been brought to court, it do not think one's intent
has anything to do with the fact that a crime has been committed.  (gee
ossifer, I only stole that food so I could give it to the poor...)
-- 

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"

					   Byron Howes
					UNC - Chapel Hill
				  ({decvax,akgua}!mcnc!unc!bch)