The conditions for republishing articles that are first published in
the Mechanical Music Digest are quite clear and printed with every
Digest.  In order to reprint an MMD article, either in its entirety or
in part, the individual or organization wishing to republish the
article must first request approval from both the author and MMD
administration.  Prior approval is not just a matter of rights;
approval is requested out of courtesy and the desire for accuracy.
When one does reprint an MMD article, both the author and MMD should be
acknowledged, and a statement included that the article first appeared
in the Mechanical Music Digest.

Although some people are unconcerned if their MMD submissions are
reprinted elsewhere, many others _are_ concerned.  We want to know who
is republishing the article and for what purpose.  A number of people
who submit articles to MMD research their information prior to
submission, i.e., look up facts in books or journals, make telephone
calls, do calculations, etc.  Sometimes this information needs to be
updated, rewritten, or corrected before it can be republished.  Asking
permission first give the author the opportunity to make these changes.

Several years ago, I self-published a work of historical research and
copyrighted it with the U.S. Copyright Office.  The registration form
asked the following questions:

Previous Registration:

  Has registration for this work, or for an earlier version of this
  work, already been made in the Copyright Office? [Check "yes" or "no"]

  If your answer is "Yes," why is another registration being sought?
  (Check appropriate box)

  This is the first published edition of a work previously registered
  in unpublished form.

  This is the first application submitted by this author as copyright
  claimant.

  This is a changed version of the work, as shown...on this application.

  If your answer is "Yes," give: Previous Registration Number [and]
  Year of Registration

Derivative Work of Compilation:

  Preexisting Material: Identify any preexisting work or works that
  this work is based on or incorporates.

  Material Added to This Work: Give a brief, general statement of the
  material that has been added to this work and in which copyright is
  claimed.  (End of citation)

These are the stipulations for a legal, stamped with a U.S. Government
seal, copyright.  The MMD should be no different.

As for the claim that articles originating in the MMD should be allowed
to be reprinted because of their educational value, that claim is
debatable.  Although I endorse a broader definition of "education"
than most people, it simply cannot be said anything and everything
constitutes education.

As evidenced by three years of MMD and by other sources, there is
disagreement concerning methods for rebuilding and restoring player
pianos and mechanical music machines.  There are no _standardized_
methods or techniques and no board of directors or similar body
overseeing the standardization of methods.

The learning of mechanical music rebuilding and restoration is
accomplished mostly by informal or self-directed education methods.
To quote Jerry Seinfeld, "Not that there's anything wrong with that."
Informal education still requires planning and clearly defined
objectives.  Without these, an article cannot be labeled as
educational.

Joyce Brite
Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exchange     * Buy - Sell - Trade *
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~brite/