Prince Fans Rebel Against Artist's Web Copyright Policing

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 6, 2007 - 9:12am.

Los Angeles - Recording artist Prince has in recent weeks launched efforts to have all websites -- including those created by his fans -- remove all instances of his likeness, lyrics and other elements, prompting some to join together at PrinceFansUnited.com to combat the effort, CMJ.com reported on Tuesday.

"Several of the largest web communities dedicated to the artist have received notices to cease and desist all use of photographs, images, lyrics, album covers and anything linked to Prince's likeness," Prince Fans United said in a statement.

The letters even demanded the removal of "fan's (sic) own photographs of their Prince inspired tattoos and their vehicles displaying Prince inspired license plates," and asked that the fansites provide "substantive details of the means by which you propose to compensate our clients for damages."

"It is our belief that these threats are not made in an attempt to enforce valid copyright as Prince alleges in his threats, rather we believe they are attempts to stifle all critical commentary about Prince," the fansite group said.

"We strongly believe that such actions are in violation of the freedom of speech and should not be allowed."

The sites believe they are making "fair use" of the Prince photographs/likenesses, which they maintain "clearly fall within the public interest category."

http://www.housequake.com

http://www.princefams.com

http://www.prince.org

http://www.princefansunited.com

Published in DMW Daily, November 6, 2007

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Comments

It's an odd stance to piss

Submitted by anonymous (not verified) on November 7, 2007 - 1:59am.

It's an odd stance to piss off your fan base, considering how Pr*** has otherwise seemed progressive in music distribution. Maybe he's just nuts.

And Prince continues his slide into irrelevence

Submitted by artist formerly known as an artist (not verified) on November 7, 2007 - 7:52am.

"Dammit, i'm relevent! really! i made some hit songs like... 20 years ago! you remember me, i know you do! Prince? little guy, big heels? liked to sing about sex alot? not ringing any bells? Shelia E? Glowy drumsticks? something about batman? nothing?" seriously, this guy has been determined to turn himself into a huge joke for awhile now, and this is just his latest attempt to become an obscure punchline. he's a SLAVE, you see? to jehova's witnesses or something... i'm not too clear on that. cause he's so MYSTERIOUS. and RELEVENT. cause he has all these popular songs out... and his albums are just so big these days. he SHOULD stop those last 17 pathetic, out of touch fans of his from liking him anymore. serves them right.

Prince or Princess?

Submitted by Rich (not verified) on November 7, 2007 - 11:09am.

Thats no way to treat your fans and more importantly the peolpe that made your career what it was and never will be again. Your suppose to be a Prince, not a Princess get over yourself.I'm ashamed to say I was a prince fan.

Why not ask fans to provide a link to the official site?

Submitted by Rich Pearson (not verified) on November 7, 2007 - 12:42pm.

This does seem harsh - a better approach may have been to ask for the fan sites to add a link back to the site. Links equate to attribution on the Internet and would support the free flow of content without punishing content creators. They could even go a step further and ask the fan sites to link to a contextually relevant item in the official Prince store.