Copyright Approach

Sometimes I get questions on copyright; how we handle it, what is our approach. Tim Stevens wrote a great post on his blog about copyright. Please give it a read. For us, we are about upholding the intention of the law. I think we do a great job of that.

For instance, sometimes we use music to make a video that we have not gotten permission to use. We don't sell it or pretend we wrote the music. But I believe we treat the brand of the artist extremely well. I believe we help create new sales and new fans for the artist and tell the world about Jesus all at the same time. If for any reason, an artist were to say "please don't do that," we would simply comply.

I came across this scripture in Mark chapter 11 (NIV). I think it parallels our copyright practice:

The Triumphal Entry.

Mark 11:
1. As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2. saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' "
4. They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5. some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6. They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.

I think it is for us, as leaders to use Wisdom and Discernment to determine what the "the Lord needs" and rely on the goodness of Artists to understand our intentions.