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It is with deep regret that I must announce the end of this MIDI page, and the beginning of the end of an era of free sharing on the internet.
Even though this site has run without a profit for it's 3+ years of existence, corporate greed has opted for a piece of this non-existent pie.
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) demanded that I sign a contract with them, of face legal action. The wanted a rate based on the entire visitor count of all 600 Garden Helper pages (not just the music pages). After negotiating with them, I reluctantly agreed to pay their assessment of $360.00 per year so that I could continue allowing my guests this simple form of entertainment.
Almost immediately thereafter I was contacted by BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) demanding the same basic contract. (Another $500.00 per year)
Most recently I was contacted by a group ofwebmasters of EX MIDI sites with a warning that there had already been several Million Dollar lawsuits already filed over copyright infringements. (Trycho Music International)
Needless to say, this takes a lot of the fun out of my job as webmaster.
In the words of Don Maclain, for the Garden Helper at least, this is
"The Day The Music Died"
http://free-the-midi.com/
The Music Relief Association
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Have a great day!