I somehow understand why IMVU limited the triggered music to 20 seconds. I quess it was because of music copyrights. I just wonder why it took 2 years to make it happen. IMVU had all the tools to limit the audio files starting september 2008 (when issue was announced) but instead they just let users to add music to catalog and getting their own shares of the sales. Were IMVU threaten by a 3dr party with a lawsuit if they dont make the changes? I believe so.
A quote:
"Copyright infringement is the unauthorized or prohibited use of works under copyright, infringing the copyright holder's exclusive rights, such as the right to reproduce or perform the copyrighted work, or to make derivative works."
I believe that most of those who were posting triggered music to IMVU catalog were aware of music copyrights, which is hard to prove when asked though. I also think 99% of the triggered music in imvu catalog is/was 3rd party property. Were the copyright owners aware of IMVU as a market place for music and did they get paid for it? To who belongs the responsibility of the violations? In my opinion to imvu because they should control the market place. So, IMVU neglegted their liabilities of copyrights at least 2 years and gaining with it? Has IMVU paid for the sold triggered music to the copyright owners? How about liabilities of IMVU to 3rd parties?
I am just here to give another view to this conversation and make questions. If the changes would have done already 2008, the situation would have not escalated to this level.
Maybe IMVU should check their relation behaviour towards their customers.... As LordSoulFire (CCI STAFF, EX-APC ( IMVU Access Pass Council )) has already publicly announced that IMVU has failed to meet customer expectations and satisfaction. I do like IMVU as a meeting place but it is ruled like past Soviet Union. What happened to the freedom of speech in IMVU without being afraid of get disabled? Maybe imvu is afraid of bad publicity but putting customers "blindfolded and shot" brings more bad publicity, than having patience and trying to solve the problems peacefully. I work with customers every day in real life and 30 years of experience I can say that rumors has a lot stronger effect than any advertisement. You all can figure it out what it means. There is always unsatisfied customers, deal with it IMVU and do the things right.