world bootleg situation

[FIORE@napoli.infn.itSun Dec 7 12:39:53 PST 1997]

Fellow Whosters,                                     July 14, 1995


Someone the other day had asked about the current situation with
bootlegs and the new laws.   I don't know about the rest of
Europe, but I'm in Italy and things have changed dramatically
concerning bootlegs.  It seems like about 80% of the worlds bootlegs
are (were) made in Italy. I used to order many boots from warehoues
here in Italy and also buy at the local record shops.  Now the
local stores stopped carrying them at all or carry much, much 
less and the warehouses also carry much, much less.

The trend seems to be (as was posted here about 6 months ago) that
boots recorded 20 years (or so) ago are still legal. However
anything after this is gone from the market.  I get different
stories from everyone I talk to, so I'm not sure on the exact
details.

If anyone has been to Italy before they will understand the impact
of my next statement:  For Italy to actually follow these new laws
(Naples especially), it is a very serious thing for bootlegs and
us collectors.  Let's hope Italy follows the trend it has always
followed and blow-off these laws after a short while and return
to "business as usual".

I'm trying to stay on top of this and will keep you posted to
any new developments.  If anyone has any more info, better news
I hope, please let us know!


DJF