Giving up my rights - Public Domain

2009-11-02 by dan

Well, I have given this much thought. And, while I don't think that it will really change anything at all, I have decided to put all these songs and future songs into the "Public Domain".

What does this mean?

Well, previously, all songs were under a creative commons license that allowed people/artists to download, share, and even add to the music as long as credit was given to the contributing author and not made commercial. But as I thought about this I felt that even those loose restrictions are not suitable for this music or it's contents. So according to wiki, public domain is...

"an intellectual property designation for the range of content that is not owned or controlled by anyone. These materials are "public property", and available for anyone to use freely for any purpose."

It seems to work for me. Do I think everyone should go "Public"? I think everyone should seeks God and follow His leading on what to do with their art. For this art, this is it.

But what if someone takes your songs and makes a fortune off of them, and never gives you credit?

MY response is this: the glory in these songs is meant to point to Christ. So the glory, or credit, was not mine in the first place. So wherever these songs find themselves, they will always be giving credit where credit is due...GOD.

The only exception to the public domain for this site will be anything that I collaborate on with other artists. For those songs, I will be respectful of the licensing wishes of the other artist.

-Dan

# | Posted in Public Domain - Open Source | Blogs | Comments » (3)

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  1. Josh Says:
    November 02nd, 2009 at 10:19 pm

    I have deep respect for this decision. I've thought for a long time that worship songs should be public domain, no matter who had written them. Of course, not being a worship song-writer, and thus not making a living from writing songs, I didn't wish to voice my opinion. On the other hand, I'm so glad that you've made this choice; I think it's a wonderful reminder that everything we have belongs to God, and that He'll take care of us when we rely on Him.

  2. Breno Says:
    December 22nd, 2009 at 06:29 am

    On ya Dan for this decision, may the Lord Jesus bless you abundantly for your faithfulness. These songs are truly inspired by the Holy Ghost.

  3. Leah Says:
    February 13th, 2010 at 03:41 am

    Thank you for your music; it is beautiful. You certainly have the heart of a true worshiper. I would like to use "Oh Lord, How We Love You" in my wedding; I wonder if you would send me the lyrics and chord charts for the musicians....they can figure it out, certainly; but it would be helpful to have it written as you do it. (I tried to find your email address but it looks like this is the only way to contact you.) Bless you for your ministry; this kind of selflessness is rare.

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