Bootlegs

Just to remind you all that bootlegs are illegal. That is not to say that they don't exist or are hard to come by, but they are a copywright infringement and ILLEGAL. Please refrain from requesting or posting about the darn WICKED script or the tape of some show that has not been released to the public. You are endangering this site by asking for these things.

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Updated On: 8/19/04 at 11:11 PM

Let's just hope the ones who need to see it read this thread. We must all watch and report these requests any time we see them.

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Good thread. STOP THE BOOTLEGS!

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If you want the people who are requesting the bootlegs, you should change the topic to "I have Wicked bootlegs" or something like that. then everyone will see it.
we really do need to stop talking about them though.

Just bumping this back up because it seems some people just don't get it.

Edited to say: Wow. In the 30 seconds it took me to find this thread again to bump, the Wicked video post has already been deleted. Nice work, Admin!

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Updated On: 8/19/04 at 02:07 PM

I had seen that thread in question, and read through it almost in amazement because I just couldn't believe that people wouldn't know it was not allowed. But then I read a couple of posts that basically said 'yes, we know they're not allowed and we don't care.' Welcome to the American value system - degenerating day by day.

Nope. Sorry. Don't agree at all with you. Bootlegs have been around since recording equipment was invented. Regardless if you think they take money away from the theatre (which they DON'T) they serve an important purpose. They give people in the middle of nowhere, with no theatre around them (or terrible theatre) and people who can not otherwise attned the opportunity to see shows and develop a love for it. I've never heard of anyone saying "Oh, I just love my WICKED video! Now that I have this, would never go and see it live! If anything it makes you want to see these shows more.

They also serve as an important document in the history of the theatre. Before shows were taped for Lincoln Center, people were doing it for themselves to preserve them. Do you honestly mean to tell me you believe that, because it wasn't authorized by the producers, that a full recording of Ethel Merman in GYPSY isn't a wonderful thing to have in this world? How about Julie Andrews in CAMELOT? Anyone want to tell me they wish it was never done and that those performances were lost forever?

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Updated On: 8/19/04 at 03:21 PM

BRAVO Matt

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I say, when a show closes (Like ASSASSINS, CAROLINE, LSOH, etc) those tapes from the Lincoln Center needs to be released for public viewing. Because, people like me who never got to see it because I live too far away and is poor, is left out of the experience.

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Word, Matt.

I'm siding with the Admin that regardless of the pros/cons of having boots, they're still illegal and this is definitely not the forum to be asking/offering to trade them. As Sarah Michelle Gellar says in Cruel Intentions, "Everyone does it...they just...don't...talk...about...it." (Just kidding. No flames. But still.)

On the other hand, I don't think that theatre boots impact the industry as badly as, say, pirated music and films. Because for the latter, receiving a copied CD or tape is almost the same as listening to the original or renting the movie (short of having the luxury of owning the CD booklet, etc.)

However, seeing a production is an experience beyond just watching people on a stage. It's actually being there, amongst other people in the audience, and watching a story unfold literally right before you. Having a bootleg of a show is just to have a taste of the show, and really is great advertising for the production, because if people enjoy the video, it'll motivate them to want to see it in person.

Just my 2c.

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I do enjoy people taking down the taboo that is the word "bootlegs"
Thanks Matt.
It's true, for people who don't have the ability to see a show, after it closes, now they can.
I understand it's illegal, so no it shouldn't be discussed on this board.
But I'm not against them. They help keep theatre lovers everywhere connected.

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Yeah, as Type_A_Tiff wrote, it's fine to debate the pros and cons as to the effect of bootlegs on the theater industry is fine, but discussion/offers/requests for actual bootlegs is not kosher here.

The electronic age makes it easy to copy a lot of stuff and too often people forget about copyright laws - perhaps I've worked in Washington DC too long - these issues are debated all the time here and there are laws in place. The RIAA and the MPAA are fighting for more laws. Sometimes people just aren't aware that because they can burn a cd or photocopy something doesn't mean then can do it legally... So now you're all aware.

So, if you want to engage in illegal activities, don't do it publicly. lol

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