I agree. I was checking out the ASCAP site and it seems like Itunes. Pay the fee, use the music. The artists who are in ASCAP basically agree to let their music be played to anyone who pays the fee. And the artist is paid for the usage of their song. So if they put their songs out there to earn more money for them, they really shouldn't complain when it is used and they are paid. People who pay the fee can use ANY of the songs in their repertory. I even looked to see which matchbox songs are included, and here they are:

Works performed by:
MATCHBOX TWENTY
1. 3 A M
(Title Code: 500545593)
2. ANGRY
(Title Code: 310480423)
3. BACK TO GOOD
(Title Code: 320452953)
4. BENT
(Title Code: 320569962)
5. BRIGHT LIGHTS
(Title Code: 320734747)
6. DIFFERENCE THE
(Title Code: 340578567)
7. DISEASE
(Title Code: 340761055)
8. DOWNFALL
(Title Code: 340761091)
9. FEEL
(Title Code: 360530203)
10. GIRL LIKE THAT
(Title Code: 370357203)
11. HOW FAR WE'VE COME
(Title Code: 380739068)
12. I CAN'T LET YOU GO
(Title Code: 392959174)
13. I'LL BELIEVE YOU WHEN
(Title Code: 392959138)
14. IF YOU RE GONE
(Title Code: 390679480)
15. LAST BEAUTIFUL GIRL
(Title Code: 421450139)
16. LEAVE
(Title Code: 420575506)
17. LONG DAY
(Title Code: 420447154)
18. MAD SEASON
(Title Code: 430643520)
19. MERCY MERCY ME (THE ECOLOGY)
(Title Code: 430207288)
20. NEVER GOING BACK
(Title Code: 440106145)
21. PUSH
(Title Code: 460364249)
22. REAL WORLD
(Title Code: 480283718)
23. REST STOP
(Title Code: 480387160)
24. SHAME
(Title Code: 491330762)
25. SOUL
(Title Code: 491329381)
26. THESE HARD TIMES
(Title Code: 504386418)
27. TIME AFTER TIME
(Title Code: 500357064)
28. UNWELL
(Title Code: 510146228)

But I think a candidate should check out whether or not an artist supports them before using it. Though they don't have to.

It seems that songs may be used at rallys but there are stricter rules in place for using them in commercials. It seems that Jackson Browne may have a case since his song was used in a commercial like your song, Rob. There is something called the Lanham Act which talks about copyright infringement, meaning the words and the notes. Browne also argues that this falsely creates the perception that he falsely endorses the McCain Presidency which also falls under an actionable offense under something called the "Lanham Act."

They have to have a synchronization license I think. And maybe it was ABC using the song, not McCain. STILL can't find anything about that. Would Rob be so upset if it were just a 'get out and vote' ad? But here's a couple of informative links:

http://www.slate.com/id/2199492/

http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/infolaw/2008/09/17/mccain-campaign-copyright/

I just have to say how disappointed I am to hear your response to John McCain using one of your songs. First off let me say that you have every right not to agree with him using it and a simple call to his campaign respectfully asking him not to do so would be fine but your response is tactless and completely alienating to your fans who are John McCain supporters as well as Republicans in general. I suppose you care nothing for this segment of your fan base. You live a priviledged life that most working class Americans can only dream of so I am sure you have no idea what impact electing Obama will have on us. You talk about status quo, well it is status quo for you celebrities to support a candidate just because that is the one all the others are supporting without knowing a darn thing about what he will do to this country. You are in the entertainment industry if you want to be political, go into politics! I WAS such a big fan of yours but if you do not have enough respect for me and my beliefs then why should I respect you?

quote:

Originally posted by Betina:
I just have to say how disappointed I am to hear your response to John McCain using one of your songs. First off let me say that you have every right not to agree with him using it and a simple call to his campaign respectfully asking him not to do so would be fine but your response is tactless and completely alienating to your fans who are John McCain supporters as well as Republicans in general. I suppose you care nothing for this segment of your fan base. You live a priviledged life that most working class Americans can only dream of so I am sure you have no idea what impact electing Obama will have on us. You talk about status quo, well it is status quo for you celebrities to support a candidate just because that is the one all the others are supporting without knowing a darn thing about what he will do to this country. You are in the entertainment industry if you want to be political, go into politics! I WAS such a big fan of yours but if you do not have enough respect for me and my beliefs then why should I respect you?

Wow, really? A newbie who is writing off Rob because of his political beliefs and his decision to not allow his music to be used? Surprise, surprise.

quote:

Originally posted by Betina:
I just have to say how disappointed I am to hear your response to John McCain using one of your songs. First off let me say that you have every right not to agree with him using it and a simple call to his campaign respectfully asking him not to do so would be fine but your response is tactless and completely alienating to your fans who are John McCain supporters as well as Republicans in general. I suppose you care nothing for this segment of your fan base. You live a priviledged life that most working class Americans can only dream of so I am sure you have no idea what impact electing Obama will have on us. You talk about status quo, well it is status quo for you celebrities to support a candidate just because that is the one all the others are supporting without knowing a darn thing about what he will do to this country. You are in the entertainment industry if you want to be political, go into politics! I WAS such a big fan of yours but if you do not have enough respect for me and my beliefs then why should I respect you?

Ya know, I study the constitution for a living (about 10 years now), and I have yet to find the part that says that you have to be in politics to express political opinions. Or the part that everyone has free speech except celebraties... hmmm....

This attitude just baffles me.

As usual you liberals take what is said out of context!!! If you can read, I SAID that he does not care about the fans who have a differing political opinion! He has every right to say what he wants but he does so at the expense of loosing some of his fan base which he apparently does not care about! Please read and get it straight before you post!

If he were a McCain supporter and blasted Obama you all would be fine with that, right?

quote:

Originally posted by Betina:
I just have to say how disappointed I am to hear your response to John McCain using one of your songs. First off let me say that you have every right not to agree with him using it and a simple call to his campaign respectfully asking him not to do so would be fine but your response is tactless and completely alienating to your fans who are John McCain supporters as well as Republicans in general. I suppose you care nothing for this segment of your fan base. You live a priviledged life that most working class Americans can only dream of so I am sure you have no idea what impact electing Obama will have on us. You talk about status quo, well it is status quo for you celebrities to support a candidate just because that is the one all the others are supporting without knowing a darn thing about what he will do to this country. You are in the entertainment industry if you want to be political, go into politics! I WAS such a big fan of yours but if you do not have enough respect for me and my beliefs then why should I respect you?

Wow... you obiously don't know much about Rob, do you? He doesn't talk out of turn, and is pretty informed about what he does say.

Get ready for the backlash that is bound to follow...

Oh, you know him personally do you?

quote:

Originally posted by Betina:
As usual you liberals take what is said out of context!!! If you can read, I SAID that he does not care about the fans who have a differing political opinion! He has every right to say what he wants but he does so at the expense of loosing some of his fan base which he apparently does not care about! Please read and get it straight before you post!

Why must some of the people who come on here to defend an opposing position automatically take an offensive, outraged tone? If you disagree, fine. Just say so. We're all big people here and most of us can handle it just fine, Rob, I'm sure, included. But, keep in mind, what's good for the goose is good for the gander and to come on here and ASSUME that Rob has no clue what it's like to be on the other side of the economic scale shows an incredible arrogance and appalling ignorance of a man whose music you claim to admire. Be prepared to be dismissed out of hand.

And where in Rob's post did he insult you or your choice of political candidate? He stated his concern that a song of his MAY have been used illegally or, at the least, unethically. He observed, in a humorous way, his view of the possible infringement, and specifically started his comment expressing his respect for those fans who support John McCain. You would be wise to echo his tact and good humor.

Just a thought...

You all can post what you like as it appears that you all are quite into this message board. My message is directed to Rob Thomas alone and it is simply letting him know how I and a great majority feel about celebrities turning their backs on a large segment of their fan base.

quote:

Originally posted by Betina:
Oh, you know him personally do you?

No, I don't. I didn't say I did.

You seem very defensive and pretty rude. Did someone piss in your post toasties today?

quote:

Originally posted by Betina:
As usual you liberals take what is said out of context!!! If you can read, I SAID that he does not care about the fans who have a differing political opinion! He has every right to say what he wants but he does so at the expense of loosing some of his fan base which he apparently does not care about! Please read and get it straight before you post!

First of all, I cannot believe I have been sucked into this. But since when does referencing the constitution make someone a liberal- I thought we were all in support of the constitution...

Interesting that you are asking us to 'get it straight before we post' when you are making pretty big assumptions in your post as well.

For the record, you said, and I quote: "You are in the entertainment industry if you want to be political, go into politics!" Thus, I stand by my response.

"damn that man" is not very respectful in my opinion.