December 19, 2007 Capitol Records, and a host of other entities owned and/or controlled by label giant EMI Music, sued the company Multiply Inc. in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. Plaintiffs allege copyright infringement arising from unauthorized use and exploitation of original sound and video recordings by encouraging and enabling users of Multiply to upload and share performances of well-known musical groups. What gives? This sounds like EMI is suing YouTube type service. But, after casually visiting Multiply's website, which boasts "Multiply makes it easy to create, share and discuss your blog, photos, videos and music with more of the people you know, and less of the people you don't"; it looks like this is more of an online storage site, giving users their own "homepage" to share with the world. I believe that they are not alone as My Space and others are included.
 | This does not come as a suprise, various control bodies have been after us "The users" and Multiply et al for a long time. We have all been aware of the fact that we have been violating the conditions printed upon all music and video media (CD's, DVD's etc.) The suprise is that it has taken so long. Others are bound to follow.
John. |
| Well they should take away the option for music uploads to be avail to everyone, where anyone on the internet can find the music and whats uploaded. I closed mine down to only contacts because I don't want any issues. |
 | thanks for the news. I look forward to any other tidbits. |
 | I knew that Multiply had changed the site. You can't upload albums and things anymore. Didn't know they were being sued. Wonder how else this will affect Multiply. I enjoy the site. |
 | Sharing alone is illegal, but I'm no less guilty, I also share with my friends while the possibility lasts. |
| Hi Lindylooh,
You can still upload and download, the only thing is that replying to postings give a "Page not found" resuly. If, however you go to your friends page, select "Music" you will find the most recent upload is in fact available.
John. |
| Thanks John, I'll have to let my friend Holly know about that. She loves music and it was her favorite feature. |
 | lets wait for info of US Paula.. i had connecting them.. perhaps we can took an othe profider.. thanks
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 | Thank you everyone for your comments. I notice that YouTube has had many videos pulled from it recently. My Space is included as are some more I believe. They didnt just single out Multiply. What annoys me is the GREED from those record companies. I paid for the CDs and vinyls I have and I can share these with whom I wish.
They pop stars earn way too much money as do the record companies so now they are taking it out on Muliply and other companies who give us so much pleasure. How often do they need paid. I dont think Multiply should be to blame or the other companies they have given me and many more many enjoyable hours. I can understand if we were selling the music, but we are not doing this...we are merely sharing what we bought. I am sure there has to be a loophole there somewhere to get round those greedy folks who have way too much money as it is (record companies)
Perhaps Mulitply did make money but that was on advertising and they never made anything like the amounts the record companies and stars do. I dont feel we should abandon Multiply unless we have to do so but in fact try to work this out.
It is very sad when money rules and we continue to sit back and let this happen. We should all take a stand.
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 | It's the golden rule -- those with the gold, rule. |
| True enough, money tends to rule. However, owning a CD does not give us the right to share (Allow others to burn copies) via the interenet. Most of the money we pay for such a CD goes to the record companies and next our governments etc, in the form of Taxation, musicians and songwriters get very little from the total price paid. Musicians only become wealthy from giving concerts unless they have their own recording studios, which is very common these days with Traditional Jazz bands, Semi Pro folk singers etc. because they know full well that signing up with major companies like CBS, EMI and Sony etc. is like signing their lives away. I am not allowed, by the DCMA to even share my own privately recorded music which happens to be traditional folk music, therefore no copyright, nor is my friend and fellow Multiply user "Malcolm", this is of course true of all others like us. In Denmark we have KODA to fight with, they collect revenue from all owners of TV's, Radio's and PC's because we are able to listen to, or see and enjoy music, we pay KODA every time we buy a blanc CD because we could be using it to illegally record music. I, as an ex company owner had to pay even though such CD's were for data backup or to copy telecom programs to supply to my customers when selling my my products. Worst of all, the artists who they claimed to be protecting get nothing, or next to it from KODA.
Nuff said. I'm as angry as you all. |
| History is full of musicians/entertainers who have been taken advantage of by record companies/promoters. I prefer to buy the records/cds to hopefully reward the musicians I enjoy so that they continue to do what they do. I don't work for free, and I don't expect them to either.
I have 2 general gripes with all this. First of all, it is getting darn near impossible to legitimately buy a lot of records and movies at a regular retail establishment. For example, my husband and I was wanting to purchase a volume of Dark Shadows tv show (popular in the 60's) and went to several retail establishment and Blockbusters seeking to purchase or order this program. Not one of them carry it or would make the effort to order it for us. There are places online we can buy it, but that does not give the immediate satisfaction of purchasing and viewing. Furthermore, if there is a defect with the product, returning online purchases is a big pain in the you know what. It's like if you are over a certain age, they don't want you as a customer. In other words, I think that by reducing the accessibility of their products, the media companies are bringing a lot of this on themselves.
My second gripe is that the public domain recording are being lumped together with copyrighted stuff. To the best of my knowledge, the stuff on my multiply are old time radio shows and songs recorded way before 1945 and are public domain. Multiply doesn't want to take the time to check all mp3s so they decided to cut them all off.
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 | I think that beyond their shotgun approach to this,what bothers me the most is the way they went about it. They put up a notification that they were going offline to install "upgrades" Not one word about the other. Cutting public domain downloads tells me that they lack the where with all to police their site. |
| It could be that Multiply did not want to start a panic by users leaving, it is after all us, that give them the sponsorships required to run such a free service.
As of this moment they have not deleted anything, they've only made it a little bit more difficult to find.
Replying to e-mail alerts regarding music now end up as "Page not found" but if you go to the uploading persons page, click on the main "Music" button you will find it where you can both listen and save, but no longer directly download. I have done it twice today. I think we should not put too much blame on Multiply, they're now fighting in court, and have been at war with the DMCA for a long time.
We (Me included) are breaking the law by uploading downloading music so we should stop crying about it. There'll be ways round it, there always have been, file sharing programs like "Napster and FileDonkey" came and changed or went away to be replaced by others. Music files can still be sent by e-mail, transfered on chat programs, though MSN will probably be the first to stop it, Skype is currently the best and fastest way providing you only "TYPE" talking slows it down.
As far as public domain stuff goes, yes, it is a pity, but as each file licence needs checking I can understand their method at this time, they have after all several million users, and not very many personell to do it.
John. |
| John I agree they probably didnt want to start a panic but I think they should have more respect for the people who were keeping the lists busy...so I agree with the other John on this twol..I can see both sides of this.
I have not yet come across the email alerts....I shall check this out later. thanks for the info. I remember Napster were closed down however they are back again. Maybe Multiply wont have to close.
A lot of people have put a great deal of work...hours and hours...weeks and weeks in some cases especially if it is OTR.
We have all put our own share of work into this so lets hope Multiply dont close their doors. We all have made a lot of really nice friends here.
I guess we shall just have to wait and see what happens.
Paula. |
| Hi Paula,
AOL, Yahoo et al have all been sued, it's part of life in the USA. I doubt them closeing the doors on us, what will most likely happen is that they will close access to music files then approach users regarding holders of personal licences, or those using public domaine material which is of course legal.
To close the doors now would be, could be, a very costly affair for them as they have sponsor contracts with advertisers who could easilly demand "Money back please" due to breach of contract, such is life in the business world. And in particular USA where people seem to live by sueing each other.
John. |
| True enough, fortunately I have not posted anything that I do not have here except links, so the loss will only be of friends, most of who'm I have as contacts on Skype. and / or by e-mail
We'll just wait and see as you say. John. |
| To your last comment "Two different countries" very true, what may be legal in one can be illegal in another, a problem noticable with different state laws in USA for example. International copyright laws as with International Patent laws do stand everywhere.
PS; I named FileDonkey, should read eDonkey and another of that typy was Kassar.
John. |
| Laura,
I meant to say over here we have such different laws to you regarding copyright If it is BBC material then it has not been released by the BBC whereas over in the US after 50 years there is no copyright this is how you can download so many tv shows in companson to us. The BBC has very strong rulings I am not 100% sure about the length of time before anyone can download copies.
Paula
Paula |
| That's also true of many Radio/TV companies throughout the world, to check out what is, and what is not "Public domain" can take a real long time.
John. |
| This is just very frustrating because sites like Multiply lure us in with the notion that we can upload music and share with our friends then take it away. I've already indicated my frustration with media companies who do not make their products accessible for legal purchase. Then it's the little people like us who get sued by the record companies like the ones who used napster and such. Multiply, Myspace, Yahoo and so on have the bucks to defend lawsuits, but little guys like us don't. Many times I feel that the days of free exchange of ideas is about to end on the internet as well. If someone can't make a buck on it, then it's a no go. |
| I very much doubt companies like CBS, EMI, Sony, ever taking legal action against you or I, unless we were illegally producing and selling copies of what they may claim to be their property.
Sharing ideas, photos, etc. will continue.
John. |
| When you put blame upon "Pop" stars you seem to forget their money grabbing managers!! and as I said earlier, we musicians are certainly not the rich guys. |
| Fair is fair,
Now it seems that we or many of us wish to paint “Multiply” as “The Snake in the grass” regarding music upload – download – sharing.
This, in my mind is totally unfair of us. Multiply right enough have allowed music sharing here, but, they did also state in their conditions of usage that doing so was permitted providing that we, the user(s) did own a licence to share such music. We have chosen to ignore that condition, or maybe many did not even bother to read it.
A majority of us do not own such licences, as said before, owning a CD is not the same as owning a licence to share or broadcast it. Pubs, clubs café’s etc. pay a licence fee to play music for our (the customers) pleasure, as do Supermarkets. As the owner of a CD we are permitted under copyright law to play it in our own homes, cars etc no matter who should be present, we are not permitted to copy, other than as own backup, such CD’s. We are not permitted to give copies to friend’s etc. either.
No friend’s, fair is fair.
John.
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|  Surely that agreement is between the stars and their managers to agree on a figure. I dont think you could call Cliff or Paul McCartney poor.... Some lose their money, some dont make money, but others make money hand over fist...I am sure many of us would like to share their bankbook.
Paula  No Paula,
Cliff, Paul, M Jackson and a few others are very wealthy, but a lot of their wealth has been won by smart business moves, not by being musicians as such, and it has taken them a long time to do it.
We the listeners have always been willing to listen, the more popular they became the higher the price.
True, an agreement between artist and manager is part of it, but I do know that managers generally make far more than the musicians do.
We are all rewarded in cash for our working efforts, some more than others, but this is not a political discussion is it? No.
John. |
 | Well...someone told me, some time ago, that it was OK to make copies, and to give away copies (I guess this also includes sharing), so long as you DON'T SELL THEM. Have things changed, in this regard, now? I guess, when you consider that a copy is "another version of same", it probably could make a difference, to the performing artist...who isn't receiving pay for it. I visit a LOT of blog sites. Do you mean to tell me that these people (running the blogs), and giving away things for "free" (downloads), aren't depriving the artist? I also notice a LOT of the blogs are being shut down...or are shutting down on their own...but they sure have giving away plenty, before this.
Gil |
| I think you need to read the copyright laws regarding music. You could also compare giving away free copies with some other person copying and distributing free of charge an item you had designed and built with the intention of selling it in order to make a living for yourself and family.
John. |
| John...well, I was just wondering if these blog owners had made some type of "arrangement"?
Gil |
| Hi Charles,
No, I very much doubt it, I believe that it is us, the users that have taken advantage of a loophole in the law provided by them. I'm no less guilty than the others despite my "Fairness to all declaration" for taking advantage when it suited my purpose.
John. |
 | Regardless of the "fairness" debate, scores of troopers are leaving "Multiply" in multitudes. I doubt that there will be much left but the scraps when the exodus subsides and the dust has settled.
The real culprit here is EMI, Capitol and the greed of the giant recording industry who has failed to recognize the potential and effect from an ever changing, fast paced technology.
Rules or no rules, people WILL SHARE THEIR MUSIC, with or without the blessings of the "industry". If that can be controled, it will be and the industry , as we know it, will perish at their own hand.
My sites will remain up for the time being, but at the rate that everybody is abandoning Multipy there may be little reason to maintain it! |
 | Waging war against your customers is never a smart idea and will, in the long run, lead to problems. The recording industry has now announced that they may pursue claims against people who buy a CD and then rip it into mp3 format, even for their own use.
Unbelievably short sighted. |
| Regardless of the "fairness" debate, scores of troopers are leaving "Multiply" in multitudes. I doubt that there will be much left but the scraps when the exodus subsides and the dust has settled.
The real culprit here is EMI, Capitol and the greed of the giant recording industry who has failed to recognize the potential and effect from an ever changing, fast paced technology.
Rules or no rules, people WILL SHARE THEIR MUSIC, with or without the blessings of the "industry". If that can be controled, it will be and the industry , as we know it, will perish at their own hand.
My sites will remain up for the time being, but at the rate that everybody is abandoning Multipy there may be little reason to maintain it! There are many people staying. We are trying to second guess what will happen...we dont know...perhaps you are right...perhaps Multiply will close its doors but this can go on long enough with EMI
I agree 100% with you...it is nothing but greed. EMI may sue Multiply but there will be another site just the same as Multiply..they will never stop everyone...ever. People are too clever for them.
You a lot of people who are abadoning their sites, I made a lot of real nice friends here and the people I know are happy to stay here for the present time. I do hope we get some news soon about what Multiply intend to do. Remember if they close they will owe money to people who advertise here.
Pleased you are keeping your sites up....at least until we know what is to happen.
Out of curiosity where is everyone going?
Paula |
| Staying here for the moment, but I am looking around. Can't be sure if we would get notice if the site was to close here. |
| I'm not in a panic but I have to be realistic. I care about the friends I have made online and I would like to continue our friendship regardless of what happens to Multiply. Multiply wouldn't be the first business, whether it was online or brick and mortar, that closed without informing the customers. I will probably seek another site and operate both. I believe in having a backup plan available. It's like car insurance, you buy it hoping you don't have to use it. |
| Most of my contacts so far...are staying. Like you I care about the friends I made too and I dont want to lose them. Friendships are valuable. It is a thought to start elsewhere....I shall see. I am trying to find out just where everyone is going. I have one contact who has removed everything from his site. Most folks who are moving are leaving what they have on their site.
Do keep me posted where you go. Does this mean Larry is also moving?
Paula |
| Oh absolutely Paula. I intend to continue staying in contact with you. I don't know what Larry will be doing. He's been busy at work. He keeps talking about the hammer... (LOL) |
| I am pleased you are staying in touch...this is my main concern. I value friendships...and I have made a lot of really nice friends here.
Tell Larry I said Hi...and to give the hammer some time off....LOL
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| I have not lost any so far, but then most of my network did not use Multiply for music only.
John. |
| As Paula knows I actually have four pages with 7 groups within them, there's been no migration from the others either.
John. |
| I've lost 3 contacts to date. Did you know that the Country Music Club has pulled all their music? |
 | Hi,
No I did not, but such large clubs would of course be targeted if things got too sticky for Multiply, I've gained 3 contacts on this page since the trouble started.
Rob (John) |
 | Nothing lost here to date.
Alan (John) |
 | I've deleted a few albums.
I have not lost any contacts.
Jean Maguire. |
 | I've just made a few more lists contacts only...and will slow down my public domain uploads after my latest project (Information Please) is over... |
| That has been my general policy except for the playlist used for the page music. In the beginning I did it simply to keep the scavengers away.
John. |
| The function "Play entire playlist" has returned since last night.
Part of the reason for the lawsuit could have arisen because many "Top artists" are leaving EMI for pastures new. |
 | Paula as far as Im concerned its stupid!!! I value my friends that I have made here and I just can't understand why there is always someone suing someone all the time...why can't people get along in this world...that's whats wrong all over the world..to much hate and fighting....Maybe I'm wrong but I think we all need more prayer and togetherness...Enough Said!!
God Bless You All
Mary |
| Such a social network is much more than sharing music.
Alan. |
| I actually left a site due to the uncaring nature they had towards its members...but most of my friends left with me to the other site... I won't mention the name of the site...but it certainly was run by a bunch of Yahoo!s... |
| Ok here is an update for you all. I said I liked Multiply and was staying....however so many have deserted Multiply...and they have removed everything from their sites. I was curious...yes my curiosity got the better of me and I visited two sites which were mentioned. One I added my name...but it is NOT user friendly like Mulitply...it has a lot less features...there is not the privacy there is on Multiply...I cannot understand why those people have removed everything and gone. When I was there I saw several of my contacts...some were there for good others were curious like myself.
I think Multiply will be difficult to match. Lets face it who says Multiply are going to close....plus the case may be long enough before it comes to trial. I dont think they would be updating players on our website if they were to close. We have a lot to be thankful for over here. One person I met on the other site could not believe how everyone here in this discussion is sticking together...so folks thats a feather in your cap...you dont abandon ship like the rest....and you dont want to...believe me.
I think things will sort themselves out. We have all made a lot of friends lets just be content with today..tomorrow will take care of itself.
I hope no other contacts of mine delete everything on their sites..a lot of hard work time and effort are put into getting a site up and running and I for one have respect for my time and for my site.
I hope I have convinced you all you are doing the correct thing unless we hear to the contrary.
Paula |
| I'm not closing my Multiply. I'm just trying to develop a backup plan. |
| I read on another blog, by one of my friends today, he said "Regarding the "Leaches" if they leave, good riddance, it is them that brought this problem upon us. |
| I'm trying a few alternatives just for back up purposes... humyo.com looks to be the most promising among them... |
| As for that other site...I believe that I was the first to coin the term YaPurgatory to them...as well as YaSpamalot... |
| Nor is he, and nor am I. I have used 15 months on my main page alone, music is only a very small percentage of it. If I am required to delete the music I will do so, but not the remainder.
John. |
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