Hi, my name's Rawson. This video is a public request to YouTube and Warner Music Group to please restore the Velvet Underground documentary and the interview of the Velvet Underground's Sterling Morrison to my YouTube channel. I believe these clips are lawful and appropriate for streaming under the doctrine of Fair Use in United States copyright law.

Fair Use doctrine allows the using of copyrighted material without permission of the rights holders for the purpose of education and scholarship, and I would argue that the content of these videos are at least as valuable for those purposes as they are for simple entertainment. Fair use also allows for the presentation of limited segments of copyrighted material, such as song clips and pieces, another aspect of the doctrine with which the videos comply. It's my opinion music lovers are motivated to know more about the Velvets and subsequently purchase their recordings as a result of seeing these documentaries.

It's my wish that Warner Music Group would better appreciate the power of YouTube to present and preserve the depths and the complexities of twentieth century popular culture. The existence of YouTube, along with willingness on the part of record and film companies to allow the streaming of clips and segments of artists' work, will help ensure that history and truth will be accessible to everyone while, at the same time, perpetuating the work's money-making potential.

I encourage other YouTubers who have had their videos removed because of objections by Warner Music Group and similar entities to speak out as well. Thank you. (less info)