----- Original Message -----
From: "Jon Noring" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2003 10:43 PM
Subject: [78-l] "Project Gramophone" discussion group started -- do
contribute


> A few of us have started a private discussion group (mailing list) to
> explore the creation of "Project Gramophone".
>
> Project Gramophone (PGr) is envisioned to be a non-profit organization
> to digitally preserve and freely make available (via one or more
> online international archives) digitized versions of early sound
> recordings which have passed into the Public Domain or whose
> performance copyrights have been donated to the archive. Thus, PGr
> as presently envisioned will archive sound performances recorded up
> through the 1920's or 1930's and sometimes more recently, depending on
> various factors (including what we may be able to arrange, as needed,
> with song title publishers and even with recording companies.)
>
> In many ways, PGr will be similar to "Project Gutenberg" for public
> domain books. However, because of fundamental differences between
> sound recordings and textual content (including transfer and digital
> restoration), original source material ownership, and the greater
> complexity of copyright (a sound recording can be covered under two or
> more copyrights, including the performance, the song title (melody and
> lyrics), sometimes the arrangement, etc.), there will undoubtedly be
> dissimilarities between Project Gramophone and Project Gutenberg.
>
> (If Project Gutenberg is interested in associating with this project
> in any way, it will certainly be seriously considered.)
>
> Undoubtedly, there are several problematic issues which need to be
> addressed and resolved (and not only copyright). Nevertheless, we
> believe there is a "formula" to make Project Gramophone a success, to
> greatly benefit the public, as well as benefit those who take a deep
> interest in the vintage sounds of yesteryear, including those who
> collect and archive the original source recordings. We believe that
> Project Gramophone will expose large numbers of new people to the
> great sounds of yesteryear (who otherwise would never purchase CDs
> of this material, and thus never develop an interest in it), and
> introduce many to the hobby of collecting original vintage sound
> recordings, discographical research, and so on -- which will benefit
> everyone interested in some aspect of early recorded sound, as well
> as benefit the public in general by encouraging preservation.
>
> Note that the name "Project Gramophone" is not etched in stone, and
> certainly one area of discussion will be an appropriate name for the
> project if the name "Project Gramophone" is deemed unsatisfactory. But
> we have to start with something to call it.
>
> To subscribe to the Project Gramophone discussion group, you can
> either subscribe to it directly at Yahoo! Groups (if you have a
> Yahoo ID):
>
>      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/project-gramophone/
>
> or, simply send a blank email message to:
>
>      [log in to unmask]
>
>
> We look forward to your participation in discussion. There is no
> implied long-term commitment to this Project for you to participate in
> discussion and contribute your ideas, thoughts and criticisms. We need
> your special insights to help us come up with a workable "formula" (if
> there is one) for Project Gramophone.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jon Noring
> Project Gramophone
>
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