Comments by jayallen | San Diego Reader

Jay Allen Sanford

Jay Allen Sanford is a Reader contributor. See staff page for published articles.

MP3tunes Claims Victory in EMI Suit

Update: "We're disappointed that the court found that MP3tunes was entitled to a safe harbor for some of its conduct under the DMCA,” said EMI in a statement. “EMI believes that companies like MP3tunes, which knowingly build a business based on stolen music, should not be entitled to any DMCA safe harbor defense, and we're evaluating our options to seek review of those portions of the decision." The portion of the lawsuit directed personally at CEO Robertson had already been dismissed. “This is a significant victory,” says Robertson, “because EMI had sought to take my cars, home, and bank accounts.” “Personal lawsuits are a gravely serious matter. Increasingly, media companies are suing CEOs of companies as individuals. This intimidation tactic has permeated cases involving Limewire, Multiply, isoHunt, Usenet.com, and others…It’s a short-circuiting of the court system, which is meant to adjudicate disagreements between businesses in this technologically-shifting era.” MP3tunes is still in hot water over around 350 songs that it neglected to delete after being notified of the music's rightful ownership by EMI and other copyright holders. Each violation could rack up $30,000 in penalties. It's been suggested that Robertson's best defense against being fined thusly is to turn over its website user information so that the actual infringers and bootleggers can be prosecuted, instead of him and MP3tunes. Robertson’s old website MP3.com was sued in 2000 by record labels and music publishers, resulting in a settlement of over $100 million. His AnywhereCD venture was shut down after being sued by Warner Brothers, and Robertson was sued for trademark infringement by Microsoft/Windows for calling another venture Lindows. He was forced to rename it Linspire.
— August 31, 2011 8:46 p.m.

Beyond the Lights with Nena Anderson

Outtakes: PSYCHICS: REAL OR FAKE? “I believe a bit in ancient fortunetelling, like Chinese horoscopes and tarot cards, but I think most of it is based on generalities, so it applies to everyone. A good psychic is really good at reading personalities and storytelling.” WHAT REMAINS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? 1. “Take my son to travel in Asia and Europe.” 2. “Play a show at Madison Square Garden.”
— August 30, 2011 9:08 p.m.

The History of Comic Books In San Diego: The ‘90s

The Rock 'N' Roll Comics documentary film Unauthorized and Proud Of It will screen soon on Free Speech TV, a channel that comes with the HD package on DirecTV. It will run several times between Wednesday, August 31st, and September 6th - check your local listings for specifics!
— August 25, 2011 4:50 p.m.

Old Globe Rocky Horror Star Dropped After Underage Conviction Revelation

It was announced today that actor Matt McGrath will take over the role of "Sweet Transvestite" Frank 'N' Furter.
— August 24, 2011 2:03 p.m.

Local Singer & Ramona Footage in Quiet Riot Documentary Film

Quiet Riot are making s "surprise" appearance tonight (August 24) in Los Angeles at a show paying tribute to former Warrant singer Jani Lane, who passed away August 11 under mysterious circumstances. The memorial concert is happening at the Key Club in Hollywood, and will feature performances by fellow metal rock bands, including QR, Great White, Enuff Z'Nuff and L.A. Guns. As I type this, 300 free tickets are being given out at the Key Club box office.
— August 24, 2011 1:35 p.m.

Stoney B. Does S.D.

Outtake: WHO MAKES OUT IN YOUR WILL? “My youngest son, Alex will get all of my musical equipment, toys, and gadgets.”
— August 24, 2011 10:21 a.m.

Best and Worst Gigs Ever: the New Kinetics

Whoops, my bad - thanks for the heads up, it's fixed -
— August 17, 2011 9:45 p.m.

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