Obtaining Permissions.

[TheRapingDragon]

So, you've just heard some awesome music and want it in FFR. This thread is
going to try to help you go through the stages of trying to get a permission.


Step One - Be accurate.


Before you even begin to try to get a permission you have to make sure that all of your information is accurate and correct. Make sure that you have the right author / song title / album title (where applicable). Make sure it's not a remix or something like that which could get FFR in trouble with the original author who never gave permission for the remix in the first place.

The other reason for accuracy is so that you show the recipient of the email that you know what you are talking about.

Depending on what you are going for you will need to follow a different step. If:

- You are asking an independent artist / group for their permission then go to step 2.

- You are asking a signed artist / group for their permission or a record label for any artist at all then go to step 3


Step Two: Independent Artists / Groups

The beauty about independent artists is that they have no record company or label (or they own the label themselves) and so you only need to send one email.

Make sure to be absolutely certain that they don't have a label. Once you are certain try to find a contact address for them. This could either be an email or a letter. Some good places to check for contact points for independent artists are wikipedia, their official website, or myspace (or similar musical outlets such as last.fm).

Once you have an email address you can send the email to them. I prepared a template email that can be used:

Here is the template I made and the one I use:

Dear (band / artist name).

My name is (your name). I'm wondering if I could have a minute of your time to request permission to use (songs / whatever) in a free online rhythm game called FlashFlashRevolution. The website is www.flashflashrevolution.com.

FFR is an online rhythm based game where you hit arrows in time with music. The music is streamed and both the game and music cannot be downloaded. FFR was started in 2002 and we currently have over 1.5 million users.

The full list of artists we have permission for can be seen in the following link:

http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...64&postcount=1

FFR is a free-to-play website and does not earn any money from these songs. We do not sell or redistribute the music either. Your music will not be sold or available for download.

I feel that if we got your permission to use your songs on our website then we would be able to get more people into your music and that we would have some incredible files for people to play.

In conclusion, I am writing for permission to use your songs on FlashFlashRevolution.com. You do not have to permit whole albums, even a song or two would be enough if that is all you want to offer.

(Alternative for the above paragraph: Ask for specific songs or albums that you want, for example:In conclusion, I am writing for permission to "song 1" and "song 3" on FlashFlashRevolution.com. I feel that these songs would be an amazing addition to FFR and I hope that you will give permission for these two songs).

If you have any more questions regarding my request, or have any other questions at all then please email me at the following address:

(your email)

I look forward to a reply in the future. Thank you for your time.

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

Step Three: Artists / Groups that are signed to a record label

This does vary from label to label but ultimately your final email will be around the same. The first thing to do is find out which label the artist or group is with. This can most likely be found on wikipedia.

Secondly, you need to go to the labels website and make sure if you can find any "terms of service" or "artist / license request" forms or information on either. These will usually give you information on how a label feels about distributing the music of their artists. It can also tell you if the label will expect royalties for anything to do with any of their artists.

Example: http://www.telarc.com/about/telarcli...5UJA1XGL0CCP85

If you can't find anything like this then you can move on. If you do find a form, and it doesn't mention royalties, then you should use that form to apply for request for music to be put into FFR.

If none of the above is applicable then you'll need to move on to emails.

The ideal route is to send two emails. One to the artist / group and one to the record label. If a band is linked with multiple labels and you aren't sure which label is the right one for what you are asking permission for, then you may have to email every single label and explain the situation.

The following emails are what I suggest as templates for your two emails:

TO THE BAND / ARTIST:

Dear (band / artist name).

My name is (your name). I'm wondering if I could have a minute of your time to request permission to use (songs / whatever) in a free online rhythm game called FlashFlashRevolution. The website is www.flashflashrevolution.com.

FFR is an online rhythm based game where you hit arrows in time with music. The music is streamed and both the game and music cannot be downloaded. FFR was started in 2002 and we currently have over 1.5 million users.

The full list of artists we have permission for can be seen in the following link:

http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...64&postcount=1

May I just take a moment to say that FFR is a free-to-play website and FFR does not earn any money from these songs. We do not sell or redistribute the music either. Your music will not be sold or made available for download.

I feel that if we got your permission to use your songs on our website then we would be able to get more people into your music and that we would have some incredible files for people to play.

I understand that you are with (record label) and I have sent an email to them as well to request this permission, but I thought it would be fair to email you as well, especially as this is your music I am requesting. I am especially interested in (song / album) and hope that you can give permission for us to use it or tell me what way I should go about requesting this permission from your record label.

I just want to repeat that we will not make any money out of this. If you give us permission then we will buy the (album / song) ourselves. As well as that, with your (song / album) in FFR you will get free publicity and hopefully more people will come to appreciate your music as I do.

In conclusion, I am writing for permission to use (song / album) on FlashFlashRevolution.com. You do not have to permit everything I've asked for, even a song or two would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any more questions regarding my request, or have any other questions at all then please email me at the following address:

(your email)

I look forward to a reply in the future. Thank you for your time.

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

TO THE RECORD LABEL:

Dear (record label).

My name is (your name). I'm wondering if I could have a minute of your time to request permission to use (songs / whatever) in a free online rhythm game called FlashFlashRevolution. The website is www.flashflashrevolution.com.

FFR is an online rhythm based game where you hit arrows in time with music. The music is streamed and both the game and music cannot be downloaded. FFR was started in 2002 and we currently have over 1.5 million users.

The full list of artists we have permission for can be seen in the following link:

http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...64&postcount=1

May I just take a moment to say that FFR is a free-to-play website and FFR does not earn any money from these songs. We do not sell or redistribute the music either. If any permission is given then we will buy the albums / songs ourselves and we don't make any money out of this. On the other hand, the artists you allow permission for will get free publicity on our website and it may entice more people to buy their albums.

I feel that if we got your permission to use your songs on our website then we would have some incredible files for people to play. Permission for even one or two songs from one artist would still be greatly appreciated.

In conclusion, I am writing for permission to use (song / album / artist) on FlashFlashRevolution.com. However, as I've said, you do not have to permit everything I've asked for, even a song or two from any artist would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any more questions regarding my request, or have any other questions at all then please email me at the following address:

(your email)

I look forward to a reply in the future. Thank you for your time.

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

Step Four: Results

This is the most important part, how will everything turn out. There are various possibilities and I'll cover as many as I can.

1. An independent artist / band says yes to your request.

If this is the case then well done. You've got a permission. You can use the following email if you wish:

Dear (artist / band)

Thank you for your permission to use (whatever they offered). This is greatly appreciated and I'll let FFR know shortly. If you would like, once a song has been put into the game I can email you again to give you a link for the final result?

Again, I just want to say thank you for your permission.

In order to verify the authenticity of this email, would you be able to e-mail the following address to say that you do give permission for (song / album):

[email protected]

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

2. An independent artist / band says no to your request.

No worries, it happens. Still send them another email. Again a template for you:

Dear (artist / band)

I'm sorry to hear that you won't give permission for (whatever) but I want to just thank you for replying to my email.

Good luck in the future and I look forward to future (songs / albums).

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

3. An independent artist / band doesn't reply.

Give it at least a week. If you hear no reply then just send another email. Something along the lines of:

Dear (artist / band)

I am writing to you again with regards to the email I sent you on (date) about permission for (song / album) to be used in our free online rhythm game at www.flashflashrevolution.com.

I understand that you must be very busy but if I could just have a moment of your time then I would really appreciate a reply to that email. Even if the email is only to say why you can or cannot give permission, that in itself would be enough.

Thanks again for your time and I hope to hear a reply shortly.

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

4. A record label replies saying yes.

Again, congratulations, but still be polite and send another email to the record label, something like:

Dear (record label / or person's name if someone personally emailed you)

Thank you very much for your permission to use (song / album / artist), I will let FFR know shortly. Once that happens we will start the process of getting steps put to the music and after a few months hopefully a file will be added to the game.

Once again I want to thank you for your permission and for taking the time to reply to my email.

In order to verify the authenticity of this email, would you be able to e-mail the following address to say that you do give permission for (artist / band / song):

[email protected]

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

5. A record label replies saying no.

Dear (record label / or person's name if someone personally emailed you)

I understand your reasons for not allowing permission but want to thank you for replying to my email.

I wish you and all of your artists the best of luck in the future.

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

6. A record label doesn't reply.

This is probably the most likely case as most record labels are gay like that. If anything, you should still try to send a follow-up email:

Dear (record label)

I am writing to you again with regards to the email I sent you on (date) about permission for (song / album / artist) to be used in our free online rhythm game at www.flashflashrevolution.com.

I understand that you must be very busy but if I could just have a moment of your time then I would really appreciate a reply to that email. Even if the email is only to say why you can or cannot give permission, that in itself would be enough.

Thanks again for your time and I hope to hear a reply shortly.

Yours Sincerely,

(your name)

So there we go. Most important parts:

- Always be polite
- Be accurate in what you want
- Email everyone involved with the song / artist to increase chances of a reply and also out of politeness.

[Coolboyrulez0]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

Someone's sticking for a fishy ^^
No but in all honesty, this is helpful, If I would contact an artist I'd be sure to read and abide those rules and use that template. Sticky well deserved.

[bluguerrilla]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

+1 Necessary sticky.

After obtaining permissions you must request that they e-mail [email protected]

I would also add that you list bands/artists we have permission from that make similar music or even on the same label. The band/artist will be more likely to say yes if someone in one of their circles said yes already.

Also, I've only contacted record labels a few times. Really only when the artist requested that I forward the information.


Also, requesting permission from a record label doesn't have to be for one artist only (see sig).

[TheRapingDragon]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

+1 Necessary sticky.

After obtaining permissions you must request that they e-mail [email protected]

Will add that in.

I would also add that you list bands/artists we have permission from that make similar music or even on the same label. The band/artist will be more likely to say yes if someone in one of their circles said yes already.

From the template, after the link that shows who we have permission for, just say "As you can see, we already have permission from (artist) and as such I feel like you would also be a great addition"

Also, I've only contacted record labels a few times. Really only when the artist requested that I forward the information.

Helps if you're asking for multiple artists / out of politeness / can't find a contact point for artist or band.

Also, requesting permission from a record label doesn't have to be for one artist only (see sig).

That's already in the post. Any artist / album / song. Can be multiple if you want it to be.


But ya, still useful information there.

EDIT: Added in the email part in Section Three: #1 and #4. The ones where they reply saying yes they give permission.

Cheers again Blu.

[bluguerrilla]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

I also like to state how many people are online at any given time, 1500-5000+. Then again, I like numbers.

Also, if they ask you about widgets (or anything else you're not sure about) forward the question to Tass and respond to the artist/label that you're doing so.

Also, I've had the most luck through myspace.

[Tasselfoot]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

The site I referred to in the first paragraph, FFR, is an online rhythm based game where you hit arrows in time with music, it was started in 2002 and we currently have over 1.5 million users and a large fan base who enjoy a wide range of music. In the beginning we used independent artists, but in order to increase our range of music we can offer we need to get permission from bands and artists to put songs to go into the game so people can play them. The full list of artists we currently have permission for can be seen in the following link:

this is written pretty poorly... and seems grammatically incorrect in spots. also, i'd note that in addition to not being sold, their music won't be available for download either.


edit: also... if dealing with a label, they'll often want to talk to someone associated with the site. in that case, just contact me and i can handle it.

[TheRapingDragon]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

I'll add those in and fix up that paragraph a little if I can, Tass.

Also, how come you never reply to my PM's heh.

EDIT: How would you suggest phrasing that paragraph because I can't think of how to fix it up.

[bluguerrilla]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

In the beginning we used independent artists, but in order to increase our range of music we can offer we need to get permission from bands and artists to put songs to go into the game so people can play them.

You could omit this completely and replace it with an elaboration of "the music is streaming and is not downloadable."

[TheRapingDragon]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

The site I referred to in the first paragraph, FFR, is an online rhythm based game where you hit arrows in time with music. The music is streamed and both the game and music cannot be downloaded. FFR was started in 2002 and we currently have over 1.5 million users.

The full list of artists we currently have permission for can be seen in the following link:


How about that?

[bluguerrilla]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

The site I referred to in the first paragraph, FFR, is an online rhythm based game where you hit arrows in time with music. The music is streamed and both the game and music cannot be downloaded. FFR was started in 2002 and we currently have over 1.5 million users and anywhere from 1000 to 5000 online at any given time.

The full list of artists we currently have permission for can be seen in the following link:


How about that?

Sounds good.

[Sir_Thomas]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

On top of that... Try to make it sound like you are doing them a favor, but don't be cocky about it.

Mention how FFR's main audience are those who (obviously) love music. Whiles sites like myspace allow artists/bands to showcase their music as well; FFR is based SOLELY around music. The players are constantly listening to their songs on their own free will and not just hearing it as some background music on myspace while stalking ex girlfriends/boyfriends .

People come here with the intent to play a game and listen to catchy music on top of that, so they are more likely to pick up new fans who will buy their album here more than anywhere else.

I know this was stated before but.. stress the fact that its a game run off of website and the music is streaming. I LOVE drawing comparisons between FFR and myspace within my requests. It makes it seem silly to turn down the request when the bands/artists realise "Hm... Well I put all of my songs up here to be listened to in the first place, and if FFR has the music streaming and NOT downloadable the same as myspace, I dont see the harm."

Another fact to stress. 100,000 plays on FFR is 20x better than getting a ton of plays on myspace. Myspace music counts every play, even the ones that start up when you visit the page. When you play a song on FFR, you generally listen to it all the way through, while a lot of people probably didnt even have the intent to play the song on myspace.

Make FFR seem like a Utopia for music, because it is.

[Tasselfoot]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

myspace only counts if it gets 30 seconds into the song, fyi.

[OnixRose]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

nice thread, good info imo

[TheRapingDragon]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

Sir_Thomas - That seems like a hell of a lot extra to add in to an email for a request. Any chance you can shorten that down to a paragraph and then maybe it can be fit into the original post.

[bluguerrilla]

Re: Obtaining Permissions.

The OP would also be easier to read if the suggested templates were in quote-boxes and if the step-titles were a size or two larger, not just bolded.