Its been a great week for Stupidity (1)

image credit: Rafael Penalozan

Several stories in the news this week stand out like a sore thumb, revealing  crass stupidity,  whilst, probably,  providing a quick earner for the lawyers and their acolytes.

Firstly, the  decision by the PRS (Performing Rights Society) to take Kwik Fit to court because music playing on the fitters' radios in the workshops could be heard, (thats what radios and music are for), by 'colleagues and customers'. The music was 'audibly blaring' from employee's radios.

The  statement issued by the PRS, really does nothing to restore their credibility, and neither does it address the scenario last Saturday, when I must confess, I painted my gate with the window open in order to hear music playing on my Mac in the street. Should  I now  sleep in fear as the PRS make themselves a laughing stock?

a few points and questions?

• is radio not a free to air service
• and surely the radio station already paid for this music in broadcast license fees?
• would the customers have been able to hear the music above the everyday din and clatter of the workshop, if it was 'blaring' could they distinguish songs and stations?
• and even if they did would customers be listening for the duration of a song?
• are the fitters really defrauding 'artists' of their rightful earnings?
• can radios now only be played in private?
• can you invite friends to listen to your radio?

Perhaps we should all go to the PRS offices and turn up our radios.  Or more realistically, support the artists that offer an alternative to this nonsense. Last night I paid,  a fair price) and downloaded the new Radiohead album, In Rainbows,  although I might not have bought their music previously, it is is playing on my iPod on the train as I write, RHD are £5.00 better off, and I am actually enjoying the tunes much more than I thought I would. Looks like there could be more to follow.

to be cont......

Comments

[John Connell]

And, of course, Theo, not every radio in every Kwik Fit unit would be playing the same station at the same time - so maybe PRS really need to get someone positioned outside every KF garage at the same time, and prosecute them for every station they are heard to play!

I hadn't heard this bit of nonsense - thanks.