Retitling

[brentmagstadt]

It's a good question, Casey. I just checked the doc - here's the wording:

"The parties agree to list [Pub Name] as a twenty-five (25%) publisher on any compositions [Pub Name] has successfully placed. [Pub Name] shall also pay to artist directly the remaining publisher share that is not assigned to [Pub Name] hereunder."

Am I misunderstanding this? I don't think I am, but if you see I am, please point it out.

Another point of contention (for the over-reacting me) - I don't have (to my knowledge at this date) a successful placement through this company. It seems he's kinda pre-empting this clause by registering in my PRO before a placement. Maybe that's normal, or... maybe not. As I mentioned, I'm still in followup mode, but it seems odd to me, and my suspicious antenna are waaaay up on this guy.

Also, I do agree with you: re-titling is a way different issue than the integrity of a publisher. For myself, I'm simply making a choice moving forward, based on my experiences, as well as the current state of industry leanings.

Totally appreciate the feedback.

[Casey H]

It's a good question, Casey. I just checked the doc - here's the wording:

"The parties agree to list [Pub Name] as a twenty-five (25%) publisher on any compositions [Pub Name] has successfully placed. [Pub Name] shall also pay to artist directly the remaining publisher share that is not assigned to [Pub Name] hereunder."

Am I misunderstanding this? I don't think I am, but if you see I am, please point it out.

Another point of contention (for the over-reacting me) - I don't have (to my knowledge at this date) a successful placement through this company. It seems he's kinda pre-empting this clause by registering in my PRO before a placement. Maybe that's normal, or... maybe not. As I mentioned, I'm still in followup mode, but it seems odd to me, and my suspicious antenna are waaaay up on this guy.

Also, I do agree with you: re-titling is a way different issue than the integrity of a publisher. For myself, I'm simply making a choice moving forward, based on my experiences, as well as the current state of industry leanings.

Totally appreciate the feedback.

It sounds to me like the publisher's intention is to register the track (PRO-wise) with themselves as 100% publisher and then reimburse you for the percentage they are not collecting per the contract. Depending on what PRO you are with, there are easier ways to do this, which you could suggest.

As far as registering the tracks before placement, that is very common.

I assume you already signed this contract. Obviously, the time to ask the questions was before that. I'm also assuming the library didn't register your track with PRO before there was a signed contract.

It's possible you are overreacting and assuming this person is not legit. Of course, I don't know what other things are raising your radar that way. Re-titling is still very common and many reputatble libraries do it.

If you want to talk more about it offline, give a shout. I don't need the library name but we can talk in generalities. Phone is most efficient... we just need to coordinate timezones. I see you live in that awful climate of Hawaii!! Tough winter, eh?

Best,
Casey

[brentmagstadt]

Very tough winter, Casey; the fish are all wrapped in coral to stay warm. Thanks for thinking of me...

Always up for a shout out. Big time diff, but your afternoon is my AM. It'd be good to chat about this, for me (hopefully for you too... hehe). Friday mid-afternoon work for you? Just before it all goes, ya know... south?