Prince is at it again [ this time suing his fans ]. Will he EVER learn...?
09-15-07, 01:07 PM
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Prince is at it again [ this time suing his fans ]. Will he EVER learn...?
While I have no problem with the eBay (and possibly) the YouTube stuff, what the article doesn't mention is that he's once again started trying to strongarm two of his biggest fan sites (Housequake.com & Prince.org) into becoming clones of his shitty 3121.com website. Guess he's upset that people visit those two websites before going to his?
Artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince attacks internet
In yet another battle for control of his name, image, and funkadelic music catalog, the artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince has launched an attack on the internet.
Teaming up with Web Sheriff, the firm currently known as "Europe's leading internet policing specialist," the Minnesota-born pop star has already ordered YouTube and eBay to remove hundreds of supposedly Prince-infringing web items, and he's intent on filing suit against the two web behemoths - not to mention Swedish BitTorrent tracker The Pirate Bay.
Web Sheriff chieftain John Giacobbi says the artist's latest crusade is a natural extension of his famous scuffle with mega-record label Warner Brothers over the rights to his name. "The Warner Brothers battle left its scars, but it also made him a lot more savvy in terms of protecting his rights," Giacobbi told The Reg. "That dispute was about records and CDs, and now that we're into the digital age, he's fighting for his online rights."
Acting on Prince's behalf, Web Sheriff has used the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act to remove close to 2,000 YouTube videos that purportedly infringe on the pop star's copyrights. The trouble, Giacobbi says, is that new infringers keep popping up. "You can get things down to zero," he explained. "But then the next day, there's another 100, 200, 500. So Prince is left to police YouTube ad infinitum."
In similar fashion, the firm has called on eBay to shut down countless Prince-related auctions. "If a fan wants to sell his 25-year-old copy of 'Purple Rain,' that's fine," Giacobbi explained. "But then you have Chinese sweatshops selling 'Purple Rain' carrier bags. We've had to get rid of Prince clocks, Prince socks, mouse mats, and mugs."
The head Web Sheriff is adamant that both YouTube and eBay should have technologies in place that automatically filter copyright-infringing material, and Prince is willing to sue to get such tools in place. "There will be separate suits against both YouTube and eBay," Giacobbi insisted. "Unless they want to smell the coffee first and start protecting his rights."
Of course, the Google-owned YouTube is already facing a three-pronged suit in New York (http://www.theregister.com/2007/08/0...youtube_suit/), and it's apparently hard at work on a brand new video-fingerprinting tool (http://www.theregister.com/2007/07/3...g_due_in_fall/) designed to block copyrighted content.
And for eBay? Building a tool that tracks copyright infringing auctions is a bit more difficult.
The Pirate Bay is also a separate issue. Unlike YouTube and eBay, the file-sharing service isn't the sort of operation that responds to take-down notices. "If you'll excuse my language," Giacobbi told us, "they basically tell everyone to fuck off."
So Web Sheriff and Prince have enlisted a Swedish law firm to tackle the site in Swedish court, and they may sue in the U.S. as well. "Somebody had to take a stand," Giacobbi said. "And Prince is doing it."
Of course, he's not exactly the only one. The irony here is that Prince has now sided with the big record labels. They've been to known to sue music-sharing sites too.
In yet another battle for control of his name, image, and funkadelic music catalog, the artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince has launched an attack on the internet.
Teaming up with Web Sheriff, the firm currently known as "Europe's leading internet policing specialist," the Minnesota-born pop star has already ordered YouTube and eBay to remove hundreds of supposedly Prince-infringing web items, and he's intent on filing suit against the two web behemoths - not to mention Swedish BitTorrent tracker The Pirate Bay.
Web Sheriff chieftain John Giacobbi says the artist's latest crusade is a natural extension of his famous scuffle with mega-record label Warner Brothers over the rights to his name. "The Warner Brothers battle left its scars, but it also made him a lot more savvy in terms of protecting his rights," Giacobbi told The Reg. "That dispute was about records and CDs, and now that we're into the digital age, he's fighting for his online rights."
Acting on Prince's behalf, Web Sheriff has used the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act to remove close to 2,000 YouTube videos that purportedly infringe on the pop star's copyrights. The trouble, Giacobbi says, is that new infringers keep popping up. "You can get things down to zero," he explained. "But then the next day, there's another 100, 200, 500. So Prince is left to police YouTube ad infinitum."
In similar fashion, the firm has called on eBay to shut down countless Prince-related auctions. "If a fan wants to sell his 25-year-old copy of 'Purple Rain,' that's fine," Giacobbi explained. "But then you have Chinese sweatshops selling 'Purple Rain' carrier bags. We've had to get rid of Prince clocks, Prince socks, mouse mats, and mugs."
The head Web Sheriff is adamant that both YouTube and eBay should have technologies in place that automatically filter copyright-infringing material, and Prince is willing to sue to get such tools in place. "There will be separate suits against both YouTube and eBay," Giacobbi insisted. "Unless they want to smell the coffee first and start protecting his rights."
Of course, the Google-owned YouTube is already facing a three-pronged suit in New York (http://www.theregister.com/2007/08/0...youtube_suit/), and it's apparently hard at work on a brand new video-fingerprinting tool (http://www.theregister.com/2007/07/3...g_due_in_fall/) designed to block copyrighted content.
And for eBay? Building a tool that tracks copyright infringing auctions is a bit more difficult.
The Pirate Bay is also a separate issue. Unlike YouTube and eBay, the file-sharing service isn't the sort of operation that responds to take-down notices. "If you'll excuse my language," Giacobbi told us, "they basically tell everyone to fuck off."
So Web Sheriff and Prince have enlisted a Swedish law firm to tackle the site in Swedish court, and they may sue in the U.S. as well. "Somebody had to take a stand," Giacobbi said. "And Prince is doing it."
Of course, he's not exactly the only one. The irony here is that Prince has now sided with the big record labels. They've been to known to sue music-sharing sites too.
09-15-07, 02:25 PM
#2
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"The artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince" is what I call him all the time.
I can't really take Prince seriously after hearing that Kevin Smith story.
I can't really take Prince seriously after hearing that Kevin Smith story.
09-15-07, 03:12 PM
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I've been a Prince fan for many years, but more and more I'm leaning toward the idea that he can really just go fuck himself.
09-15-07, 03:24 PM
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09-15-07, 05:01 PM
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Prince should count himself lucky that people still want to watch his videos on YouTube or buy crap with his name on it from eBay considering he hasn't made any decent music in almost 20 years.
09-16-07, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by RichardW
Prince should count himself lucky that people still want to watch his videos on YouTube or buy crap with his name on it from eBay considering he hasn't made any decent music in almost 20 years.
I don’t understand why these “artists” get so fu*king goddamn upset about people watch/listen to there sh*t for free on Youtube, etc…
I mean, it’s not like Prince (A.K.A. “Pretentious Prick”) needs the money. He should indeed be glad that anyone still wants to listen too his music & stop being so unappreciative.
09-16-07, 12:14 PM
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i wont argue about Prince being a prick about this whole thing, but if you really think he hasnt been putting out some amazing music in the past 20 years, you are really missing out.
09-16-07, 12:45 PM
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I don't know man, of all the really big Prince fans I've known over the years...myself included...almost NONE of them like him anymore. I stopped buying his stuff back in 90's and others stopped before that.
Anyway, he's self absorbed and doing this to fan supporters is fucked up.
Anyway, he's self absorbed and doing this to fan supporters is fucked up.
Last edited by Giantrobo; 09-16-07 at 04:02 PM.
09-16-07, 03:20 PM
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I think Prince would have more of an argument if he actually was better at releasing shit. I mean, he has his own music club, and yet all we've gotten in the past six years was one half-ass DVD which contained literally half of a show and focused mainly on the weakest songs from the set.
If Prince went all out Rolling Stones or KISS style and really gave his fans the performances they want on DVD, people wouldn't need YouTube so much to look at concerts and the sort.
And don't even get started on music videos. How about releasing a comprehensive music video collection? That piece of shit from 1993 that's also available on DVD works better as a coaster. Way way way too much missing and the tracklist is odd and random.
Prince, you want to please the fans? Do what KISS did with their KISSology DVD's (Kiss have so far released two volumes containing numerous complete concerts from many a tour alongside vintage TV performances and the sort, and have sold a lot of DVD's) and do something like that. A "Princeology Vol. 1 1979-1986" (I can totally see it, disc one would cover 80-83 and disc two would contain a complete Purple Rain show and then disc three would have a complete Parade show--- I am sure at least one has been professionally filmed considering the Anotherloverholeinyohead video, and then issue a limited bonus disc with maybe a complete 1999 tour show or something, or maybe a First Avenue performance or something) type of release would more than please the fans. How about teaming up with Best Buy like the Stones did and releasing a mammoth documentation of your current run of shows in the UK? You have so much out there that you can sell to us, so why not take advantage?
If Prince went all out Rolling Stones or KISS style and really gave his fans the performances they want on DVD, people wouldn't need YouTube so much to look at concerts and the sort.
And don't even get started on music videos. How about releasing a comprehensive music video collection? That piece of shit from 1993 that's also available on DVD works better as a coaster. Way way way too much missing and the tracklist is odd and random.
Prince, you want to please the fans? Do what KISS did with their KISSology DVD's (Kiss have so far released two volumes containing numerous complete concerts from many a tour alongside vintage TV performances and the sort, and have sold a lot of DVD's) and do something like that. A "Princeology Vol. 1 1979-1986" (I can totally see it, disc one would cover 80-83 and disc two would contain a complete Purple Rain show and then disc three would have a complete Parade show--- I am sure at least one has been professionally filmed considering the Anotherloverholeinyohead video, and then issue a limited bonus disc with maybe a complete 1999 tour show or something, or maybe a First Avenue performance or something) type of release would more than please the fans. How about teaming up with Best Buy like the Stones did and releasing a mammoth documentation of your current run of shows in the UK? You have so much out there that you can sell to us, so why not take advantage?
09-16-07, 06:48 PM
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The bigger question is, will he release official Prince socks to fill the demand that is obviously there?
09-16-07, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by milo bloom
The bigger question is, will he release official Prince socks to fill the demand that is obviously there?
09-16-07, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by nothingfails
I think Prince would have more of an argument if he actually was better at releasing shit. I mean, he has his own music club, and yet all we've gotten in the past six years was one half-ass DVD which contained literally half of a show and focused mainly on the weakest songs from the set.
If Prince went all out Rolling Stones or KISS style and really gave his fans the performances they want on DVD, people wouldn't need YouTube so much to look at concerts and the sort.
And don't even get started on music videos. How about releasing a comprehensive music video collection? That piece of shit from 1993 that's also available on DVD works better as a coaster. Way way way too much missing and the tracklist is odd and random.
Prince, you want to please the fans? Do what KISS did with their KISSology DVD's (Kiss have so far released two volumes containing numerous complete concerts from many a tour alongside vintage TV performances and the sort, and have sold a lot of DVD's) and do something like that. A "Princeology Vol. 1 1979-1986" (I can totally see it, disc one would cover 80-83 and disc two would contain a complete Purple Rain show and then disc three would have a complete Parade show--- I am sure at least one has been professionally filmed considering the Anotherloverholeinyohead video, and then issue a limited bonus disc with maybe a complete 1999 tour show or something, or maybe a First Avenue performance or something) type of release would more than please the fans. How about teaming up with Best Buy like the Stones did and releasing a mammoth documentation of your current run of shows in the UK? You have so much out there that you can sell to us, so why not take advantage?
If Prince went all out Rolling Stones or KISS style and really gave his fans the performances they want on DVD, people wouldn't need YouTube so much to look at concerts and the sort.
And don't even get started on music videos. How about releasing a comprehensive music video collection? That piece of shit from 1993 that's also available on DVD works better as a coaster. Way way way too much missing and the tracklist is odd and random.
Prince, you want to please the fans? Do what KISS did with their KISSology DVD's (Kiss have so far released two volumes containing numerous complete concerts from many a tour alongside vintage TV performances and the sort, and have sold a lot of DVD's) and do something like that. A "Princeology Vol. 1 1979-1986" (I can totally see it, disc one would cover 80-83 and disc two would contain a complete Purple Rain show and then disc three would have a complete Parade show--- I am sure at least one has been professionally filmed considering the Anotherloverholeinyohead video, and then issue a limited bonus disc with maybe a complete 1999 tour show or something, or maybe a First Avenue performance or something) type of release would more than please the fans. How about teaming up with Best Buy like the Stones did and releasing a mammoth documentation of your current run of shows in the UK? You have so much out there that you can sell to us, so why not take advantage?
Ever since he went on "independent contractor" status, it seems as though we've actually been getting less of his stuff than ever before. He promised an "Unplugged" session years ago, but gave us something less (with the release of MUSICOLOGY). We were supposed to see old, unreleased songs from the Vault, and still have seen nothing (except for that terrible CRYSTAL BALL "bootleg"). He has videos, short films, TV performances (his version of "Let's Work" and "Delirious" from the cancelled Sinbad show is one of the best I've ever seen), concerts, but all we get is second rate stuff.
Prince...we're willing to buy what you've got. Just give it to us already and quit yer bitchin'.
09-17-07, 05:41 AM
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Originally Posted by DieselsDen
Absolutely.
Ever since he went on "independent contractor" status, it seems as though we've actually been getting less of his stuff than ever before. He promised an "Unplugged" session years ago, but gave us something less (with the release of MUSICOLOGY). We were supposed to see old, unreleased songs from the Vault, and still have seen nothing (except for that terrible CRYSTAL BALL "bootleg"). He has videos, short films, TV performances (his version of "Let's Work" and "Delirious" from the cancelled Sinbad show is one of the best I've ever seen), concerts, but all we get is second rate stuff.
Prince...we're willing to buy what you've got. Just give it to us already and quit yer bitchin'.
Ever since he went on "independent contractor" status, it seems as though we've actually been getting less of his stuff than ever before. He promised an "Unplugged" session years ago, but gave us something less (with the release of MUSICOLOGY). We were supposed to see old, unreleased songs from the Vault, and still have seen nothing (except for that terrible CRYSTAL BALL "bootleg"). He has videos, short films, TV performances (his version of "Let's Work" and "Delirious" from the cancelled Sinbad show is one of the best I've ever seen), concerts, but all we get is second rate stuff.
Prince...we're willing to buy what you've got. Just give it to us already and quit yer bitchin'.
Perhaps in his mind giving fans less makes them want it more? Who knows what he's thinking....
09-17-07, 02:26 PM
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What I find most upsetting about this is that Prince actually had been on a bit of a resurgance the past few years, he was distancing himself from the more eccentricities and fans were beginning to see him for being a legend instead of a weirdo, and he goes and does this.
I don't see what's hurting with YouTube. I don't think it's at all the same as illegal downloading. YT is a community where people share what they have with each other. If you don't want stuff posted on YouTube, then by god, release it on DVD or something? What harm is viewing a Prince music video that is not available on a video collection/movie DVD release that hasn't been shown on MTV/VH1/BET in at least 15 years? Is viewing the Glam Slam video from 1988 really hurting anyone? It hasn't been shown since probably 1988 and it wasn't officially released on a video collection or whatever.
I don't see what's hurting with YouTube. I don't think it's at all the same as illegal downloading. YT is a community where people share what they have with each other. If you don't want stuff posted on YouTube, then by god, release it on DVD or something? What harm is viewing a Prince music video that is not available on a video collection/movie DVD release that hasn't been shown on MTV/VH1/BET in at least 15 years? Is viewing the Glam Slam video from 1988 really hurting anyone? It hasn't been shown since probably 1988 and it wasn't officially released on a video collection or whatever.
09-18-07, 05:31 PM
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Removing Prince related items on ebay? Since when is it illegal to sell your own old crap for money to someone that wants to buy it? I think he's taking this internet thing just a little too far.
09-18-07, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by KillerCannabis
Removing Prince related items on ebay? Since when is it illegal to sell your own old crap for money to someone that wants to buy it? I think he's taking this internet thing just a little too far.
09-18-07, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by nothingfails
actually, there was another more in-depth article on this saying that Prince has no problem for someone selling an old copy of 1999 or Purple Rain....What he has beef with are all the people making bogus Prince merchandise and selling it on ebay. Even tho you'd think he'd pull a Gene Simmons and be "well, if people wanna buy Prince socks, I'll give them Prince socks", lol
Originally Posted by the FIRST post
Artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince attacks internet
In similar fashion, the firm has called on eBay to shut down countless Prince-related auctions. "If a fan wants to sell his 25-year-old copy of 'Purple Rain,' that's fine," Giacobbi explained. "But then you have Chinese sweatshops selling 'Purple Rain' carrier bags. We've had to get rid of Prince clocks, Prince socks, mouse mats, and mugs."
In similar fashion, the firm has called on eBay to shut down countless Prince-related auctions. "If a fan wants to sell his 25-year-old copy of 'Purple Rain,' that's fine," Giacobbi explained. "But then you have Chinese sweatshops selling 'Purple Rain' carrier bags. We've had to get rid of Prince clocks, Prince socks, mouse mats, and mugs."
09-18-07, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Rogue588
Umm..
"If a fan wants to sell his 25-year-old copy of 'Purple Rain,' that's fine,"
09-18-07, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by nothingfails
which is precisely what I said.
Originally Posted by nothingfails
actually, there was another more in-depth article on this saying that Prince has no problem for someone selling an old copy of 1999 or Purple Rain...
09-18-07, 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Rogue588
No. You said..
...which insinuated that the article I quoted in the first post was lacking and made no mention of what you typed, when in fact, it did.
...which insinuated that the article I quoted in the first post was lacking and made no mention of what you typed, when in fact, it did.
09-19-07, 12:43 AM
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It's not me, it's my girlfriend, man. Her semanticality has been rubbing off on me. Here's a
. Drink it while listening to Planet Earth. You'll feel much better knowing that you weren't responsible for that steaming pile.. 
Back on topic, when all is said and done, Prince really doesn't give a shit about his fans. He's more than shown it over the years. He's said in the past he knows how it feels to be a fan, because back in his day, he'd want to own every and any thing that James Brown put out. However, he's so far gone in his Prince universe that he's out of touch with reality.
As I said in the initial post, I could understand him wanting to take the Chinese sweatshop items off of eBay, but i'm not really understanding his constant attacking of his fan base. Who does he think bought Planet Earth outside of the UK? And this is how you treat them?
11-07-07, 10:11 AM
#23
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Prince is suing again...this time, his fans
LONDON (Reuters) - Fan sites dedicated to Prince say they have been served legal notice to remove all images of the singer, his lyrics and "anything linked to Prince's likeness," and have vowed to fight what they said was censorship.
The move was a shock to his army of followers and came two months after Prince threatened to sue YouTube and other major Internet sites for unauthorized use of his music.
But by targeting fan sites directly, Prince risks a backlash, and the sites have vowed to unite under the banner "Prince Fans United" and take the matter to court if necessary.
"We strongly believe that such actions are in violation of ... freedom of speech and should not be allowed," said a statement from the three sites -- www.housequake.com, www.princefams.com and www.prince.org.
A company helping Prince control his image and music on the Internet said the fan sites had spun the story so that it was "incorrect and misleading."
"At no time is Prince suing his fans and this is not about freedom of speech," said John Giacobbi, managing director of Internet policing specialist Web Sheriff.
"The current issue is one between Prince's record label and three unofficial Web sites and relates to the use of Prince trademarks and photographs, many of which are Prince's copyright," he told Reuters.
Giacobbi said Prince was expected to issue a full response to the fan sites' statement later on Wednesday.
The sites now feature an image of a hand print with "pfu" (Prince Fans United) written on it.
Prince's agent in London said all matters concerning the artist should be referred to its office in Beverly Hills, where no one was immediately available for comment.
The fan sites said Prince, 49, had demanded the removal of fans' photographs of Prince-inspired tattoos and vehicles displaying Prince-inspired license plates.
They urged Prince to reconsider his decision, but vowed to defend their position in court if need be.
"The law clearly provides for displaying of images of a celebrity's likeness for newsworthy events or matters which are considered to be public interest," they said.
Prince, behind such groundbreaking albums as "Purple Rain" and "Sign O' The Times," is renowned for his unconventional approach to music and marketing.
He performed with the word "SLAVE" scrawled across his cheek in protest against his then record label and changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol.
He gave his "Planet Earth" album away free with a Sunday newspaper earlier this year, infuriating music retailers but winning plaudits from fans for innovation.
------------------
Thoughts?
The move was a shock to his army of followers and came two months after Prince threatened to sue YouTube and other major Internet sites for unauthorized use of his music.
But by targeting fan sites directly, Prince risks a backlash, and the sites have vowed to unite under the banner "Prince Fans United" and take the matter to court if necessary.
"We strongly believe that such actions are in violation of ... freedom of speech and should not be allowed," said a statement from the three sites -- www.housequake.com, www.princefams.com and www.prince.org.
A company helping Prince control his image and music on the Internet said the fan sites had spun the story so that it was "incorrect and misleading."
"At no time is Prince suing his fans and this is not about freedom of speech," said John Giacobbi, managing director of Internet policing specialist Web Sheriff.
"The current issue is one between Prince's record label and three unofficial Web sites and relates to the use of Prince trademarks and photographs, many of which are Prince's copyright," he told Reuters.
Giacobbi said Prince was expected to issue a full response to the fan sites' statement later on Wednesday.
The sites now feature an image of a hand print with "pfu" (Prince Fans United) written on it.
Prince's agent in London said all matters concerning the artist should be referred to its office in Beverly Hills, where no one was immediately available for comment.
The fan sites said Prince, 49, had demanded the removal of fans' photographs of Prince-inspired tattoos and vehicles displaying Prince-inspired license plates.
They urged Prince to reconsider his decision, but vowed to defend their position in court if need be.
"The law clearly provides for displaying of images of a celebrity's likeness for newsworthy events or matters which are considered to be public interest," they said.
Prince, behind such groundbreaking albums as "Purple Rain" and "Sign O' The Times," is renowned for his unconventional approach to music and marketing.
He performed with the word "SLAVE" scrawled across his cheek in protest against his then record label and changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol.
He gave his "Planet Earth" album away free with a Sunday newspaper earlier this year, infuriating music retailers but winning plaudits from fans for innovation.
------------------
Thoughts?
11-07-07, 10:48 AM
#24
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With his career in such a shitty state (as compared to his heyday), one would think that he would embrace any type of fan sites, etc. Anything to introdue curious new maybe-fans to his music.
11-07-07, 11:03 AM
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i thought NOBODY on the internet cared or even knows about Prince. what a big surprise. i hope he loses the 9 fans he has.
also--here is how shitty Prince is:
I saw a story on Inside Edition about a family putting videos of their infant walking on youtube to show family members. In the BACKGROUND was "When Doves Cry" or "1999", can't remember. Let me highlight the word BACKGROUND. The video wasn't edited/set with the song, it was on a stereo in the other room and was only faintly heard. Prince and his lawyers sent them legal notices.....................that's nonsense in my book.
also--here is how shitty Prince is:
I saw a story on Inside Edition about a family putting videos of their infant walking on youtube to show family members. In the BACKGROUND was "When Doves Cry" or "1999", can't remember. Let me highlight the word BACKGROUND. The video wasn't edited/set with the song, it was on a stereo in the other room and was only faintly heard. Prince and his lawyers sent them legal notices.....................that's nonsense in my book.