I’m better late than never on this one, but do sign up to the petition against an extension of copyright that would hugely muddy the waters for podcasters. It’s a confused and silly idea that would make life complicated for all, and help none but the rich and powerful.

There was a meeting in Barcelona on June 21 to discuss ‘The Proposed WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations: From the Rome Convention to Podcasting.’ WIPO, by the way, is the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

The results of the meeting seem a little shrouded to say the least, but the general idea is to give Broadcasters and Internet Service Providers the rights to anything that goes out through their auspices. This could mean that your ISP, not you, owns the rights to your podcast. The least worst thing that one can say about this, is that enormous confusion would ensue. Presumably most people would move to ISPs that give you contractual rights to your own material in their terms of service. But what a waste of time.

It’s a general rule that busy-bodies should stay clear of the internet. It’s thriving very well without the rules and regulations thank you.