So, tell me what you know...

[autographedcat]

Now this looks like a fun meme for Wednesday (vectored from filkerdave and katyhh:

Pick one person on my friends list, and tell me something good about them that you don't think I know.

Comments

[callibr8]

Did you know that catsittingstill was once known in the SCA as Spalding the Slayer, for her amazing ability to hit opposing combatants with slingshot-propelled tennis balls?

I think that's what inspired her "Marvelous Toy Mark II" song. The lyrics for which might be available via email, on request; since it's a borrowed tune that's probably still in copyright, I'm not sure it'd be a good idea to put them up on the website.

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'd love to see that.

For the record, while IANAL, my understanding is that you can post lyrics to another tune all you want. You just can't release a recording without permisison. (Note the wording in Tom Smith's Big Book of Filk Tricks, which reads "May be sung to the tune of..." :)

[mneme]

IANAL (I am not a lawyer), but this is my understanding:

It depends on whether the lyrics are parody, derivative work, or unrelated.

If they are unrelated (except by using the same tune), you definately can't record them without permission, but can post/publish/sell them all you like -- no infringement. (example: Lee Gold's _Let the Birds Fly_. Probably doesn't even infringe on Barry Hugart's copyright either, since she never mentions any names or anything).

If they are sufficiently derivative, but without being parody (ie, not a comment on the original), you're legally on questionable ground, for either posting the lyrics or making a recording without permission. (example: "My Grandfather's Clock" without the "L").

If they are true parody, you can (at least, theeoretically) do pretty much anything -- post the lyrics, record/sell music; whatever; parody is protected fair use, by definition. But note that you and a court might not agree on what "parody" means.