There’s book upon book about how to survive the traditional recording industry. Contracts, managers, labels, A&R…etc, etc, etc…it’ll make your head spin and ruin your life and chances of making a decent living if you’re not paying attention. At least that’s how the tale goes.

So what sort of protection or guidance is available for the eager musician/band who’s looking to take advantage of the various promotional opportunities found online? DIY has never been easier, but there’s landmines to be found in this emerging landscape as well.

Take for instance this terms of service:

Please note that communication or Materials you transmit or post shall be owned by Music.com and may be used by Music.com or its affiliates for any purpose, including, but not limited to, reproduction, disclosure, transmission, publication, broadcast and posting. Furthermore, Music.com is free to use any ideas, concepts, know how or techniques contained in any communication or Materials you send to the Service for any purpose whatsoever including, but not limited to, developing, manufacturing and marketing any and all products incorporating any such information.

Shall be owned. Can’t get around that, and how many musicians are taking the time to read that? Scroll through the 8pt font and maybe the word owned would catch your eye. Maybe. But lets be honest, probably not. (I’m just as guilty as the next person for skimming through these kinds of measures more than 90% of the time).

There’s all types of shades of grey when it comes to these kinds of legalese documents…what’s just covering the company/organization/person’s rights just in case of the worst, and what’s patently ludicrous. And wrong. And just flat out pisses me off.