Plagiarism

[nal1200]

First and foremost, I don't wish to cause trouble to Dreamscaper, but I need to know the answer to this.

As many of you know, Dreamscaper has a piano piece entitled "Carol of The Bells (Piano Mix)"

I love the song, and I also love the composer, George Winston. Funny that I should stumble upon Winston's version on iTunes the other day to find that it is exactly the same as Dreamscaper's.

Considering the fact that A) This is a portal where you upload content that you have either created or mixed with credit to the original author and that B) Covers ARE allowed, i'm left with this question:

Is this acceptable? I love the song, but man, they're practically identical.

For those of you who are skeptical:

George Winston's version - http://music.yahoo.com/track/7354191

Dreamscaper's version - http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/5 128

Thanks.

[nal1200]

Also, a bit of information:

[DaGrahamCraka]

well he just played the piece on the piano himself. which would contribute to its sounding almost identical. second of all. youre pretty much made of fail. ;)

[Nithalahk]

At 11/5/07 05:46 PM, nal1200 wrote: Also, a bit of information:

That goes against everything I've heard thus far being a part of the Audio Forums. I believe even Ruckie has stated before that covers are allowed, but not encouraged...but I don't feel like trolling through his posts for it.

[nal1200]

At 11/5/07 05:48 PM, DaGrahamCraka wrote: well he just played the piece on the piano himself. which would contribute to its sounding almost identical. second of all. youre pretty much made of fail. ;)

Teehee. That's what a cover is! Playing something someone already composed. Let me establish my question again, since it obviously didn't get across to you.

"Is it acceptable?" Apparently covers are not, according to the moderator I quoted. Mind you there is a difference between a direct "copy" of notes from one person's mind to another, and a musical evolution from one piece to your "cover." I'm wondering if it's all a matter of how similar the pieces are.

[DaGrahamCraka]

Teehee. That's what a cover is! Playing something someone already composed. Let me establish my question again, since it obviously didn't get across to you.

"Is it acceptable?" Apparently covers are not, according to the moderator I quoted. Mind you there is a difference between a direct "copy" of notes from one person's mind to another, and a musical evolution from one piece to your "cover." I'm wondering if it's all a matter of how similar the pieces are.

this has been stated over and over before. a cover is completely acceptable, as long as you give credit to the original author.

[nal1200]

At 11/5/07 06:06 PM, DaGrahamCraka wrote:

Teehee. That's what a cover is! Playing something someone already composed. Let me establish my question again, since it obviously didn't get across to you.

"Is it acceptable?" Apparently covers are not, according to the moderator I quoted. Mind you there is a difference between a direct "copy" of notes from one person's mind to another, and a musical evolution from one piece to your "cover." I'm wondering if it's all a matter of how similar the pieces are.

this has been stated over and over before. a cover is completely acceptable, as long as you give credit to the original author.

Two points to consider:

A) There is no mention of George Winston in the comments of the uploaded audio.

and B) This brings up a counter point to your argument about covers being acceptable:

[DaGrahamCraka]

At 11/5/07 06:11 PM, nal1200 wrote:

At 11/5/07 06:06 PM, DaGrahamCraka wrote:

Teehee. That's what a cover is! Playing something someone already composed. Let me establish my question again, since it obviously didn't get across to you.

"Is it acceptable?" Apparently covers are not, according to the moderator I quoted. Mind you there is a difference between a direct "copy" of notes from one person's mind to another, and a musical evolution from one piece to your "cover." I'm wondering if it's all a matter of how similar the pieces are.

this has been stated over and over before. a cover is completely acceptable, as long as you give credit to the original author.

Two points to consider:

A) There is no mention of George Winston in the comments of the uploaded audio.

and B) This brings up a counter point to your argument about covers being acceptable:

answer to number A) george winston did not write carol of the bells. it is a classical song which means it has no copyright, similar to bach or other composers.

answer to B) those rules are old. check the date. if you roam around the ap, or pm rucklo asking him about it. he will agree with me. if everyone got banned for that, wed have no audio artists whatsoever.

[nal1200]

answer to number A) george winston did not write carol of the bells. it is a classical song which means it has no copyright, similar to bach or other composers.

answer to B) those rules are old. check the date. if you roam around the ap, or pm rucklo asking him about it. he will agree with me. if everyone got banned for that, wed have no audio artists whatsoever.

H'ok. THAT'S what I was wondering. So the "cover" rule (don't upload people's songs) applies only to songs that are current enough to have licenses. Gotcha.

[Rig]

At 11/5/07 06:24 PM, nal1200 wrote: H'ok. THAT'S what I was wondering. So the "cover" rule (don't upload people's songs) applies only to songs that are current enough to have licenses. Gotcha.

That's right. But don't go around uploading OTHER people's versions of the song - once they record it, it's their copyright. Just remix it yourself and you'll be fine :)

[Chronamut]

there is a difference between what the "mods" think is acceptable in the audio portal - esp. since most of them don't make audio - and what the general public of nregrounds audio deems is acceptable.

covers, remixes, mixes, midi-rips - they all go on always have always will.

[DJ-Roulette]

so does this mean my "what is love" song is Plagiarism?

[DaGrahamCraka]

At 11/5/07 09:20 PM, DJ-Roulette wrote: so does this mean my "what is love" song is Plagiarism?

nah. youre ok.

[Dreamscaper]

Yeah, at the time I recomposed and submitted this track back in 2003, I was worried this would oppose a threat to my piece and other audio, but the only way I truly could find out was by just submitting it and watch and see what happens. Unfortunately, this was the one track I submitted that received the most attention at the time and happened to be on people's favorite list the most out of all my pieces. I just needed a challenge, and this proved to be one hell of a challenge.

Sorry if this might have alarmed a few people, but it was not my intention to rob the glory from George Winston, but this was too great of a song not to recompose. I hope this clears up any confusion...I'm used to it. lol If you do believe this is a stolen piece feel free to judge wisely and report it to the staff page. Thank you all for your wonderful support on making this site worth visiting almost each and every day!