Purpose and Commitment to Creative Stewardship

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As a non-profit online publishing hub, we are committed to sharing our work freely while preserving the rights, intentions, and recognition of every individual who contributes to its creation and safeguarding the integrity of every original work we produce. We recognize that each composition represents the time, creativity, and identity of the people behind it, thus protecting intellectual property (IP) and ensuring proper recognition are essential to honoring these contributions and sustaining a respectful creative environment. This policy defines how our published works may be shared and used by others, in a way that reflects our non-commercial ethos.

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Creative Contributions

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In a collaborative project, the intellectual property of a song originates with the individual or team who creates the lyrics and melody, forming the foundation of the musical work.

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Individuals who contribute original creative expression that is incorporated into a final copyrighted work may be recognized as "Creators" or "Co-Creators" of that work. Subject to applicable copyright law, such individuals may include lyricists, composers, arrangers, producers, musicians, videographers, writers, artists, or other participants whose original creative contributions materially shape the final work and give rise to copyright protection.

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For purposes of this policy, a "Contributor" is an individual who materially participates in the creation, development, production, editing, coordination, technical implementation, performance, or other substantive aspects of a project. Contributors may include Creators, as well as individuals who provide services, expertise, support, production assistance, research, technical contributions, or other meaningful participation in the project, regardless of whether their contributions give rise to copyright protection. Financial support, sponsorship, donations, grants, or other forms of funding, standing alone, shall not constitute Contributor status.

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Each creator retains ownership of the intellectual property embodied in their original contributions unless otherwise agreed in writing. Where multiple creators contribute copyrightable expression to a shared work, ownership and authorship rights shall be recognized in accordance with applicable law and any agreements established among the parties.

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This framework acknowledges that the final work may arise from collective creativity while ensuring that each person's intellectual and artistic contributions are appropriately recognized, documented, and protected.

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Special Agreements Regarding Ownership and Revenue Sharing When Commercialization Opportunity Arise

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DP recognizes that some contributors may provide valuable support, expertise, resources, coordination, performance, technical services, mentorship, or other forms of participation that do not, by themselves, constitute copyright authorship under applicable law. Individuals whose contributions would not ordinarily qualify them as copyright co-authors may nevertheless be granted an ownership interest, revenue share, royalty participation, or other rights through a separate agreement among the parties.

 

Although DP operates on a non-commercial basis, it recognizes that commercialization opportunities involving third parties may arise. Accordingly, DP establishes a framework under which the creators whose original contributions give rise to copyright protection may, by mutual written agreement, grant participating individuals an ownership interest, royalty participation, revenue share, credit, or other rights relating to the work. For example:

• A recording engineer could receive a certain percentage of royalties without becoming a copyright owner.

• A project coordinator could receive a revenue share as recognition for substantial contributions.

• A donor or sponsor could be excluded from copyright ownership but still participate in revenue according to an agreement.

• A contributor could be granted a copyright interest even if the law would not automatically recognize them as a co-author.

 

Any such arrangement shall be documented and agreed upon by the relevant parties and will reflect the contributor's role, commitment, investment, or significance to the development of the project. Nothing in this provision shall require copyright ownership and royalty participation to be identical. The parties may agree, in advance, if, in the circumstance a commercialization opportunity arise, that an individual receives a share of royalties or revenues without becoming a copyright owner, or that an individual receives a copyright ownership interest in addition to any revenue-sharing arrangement.

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Where all creators and contributors agree to allow commercial use of a work, including but not limited to licensing, publishing, synchronization, performance, distribution, sales, donations, sponsorships, or other revenue-generating activities, the terms of that use will be discussed transparently among the creators and contributors, and any resulting revenue from these commercialization opportunities is shared directly between them and any third parties based on mutually agreed proportions.

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In the absence of a written agreement providing otherwise, copyright ownership and royalty entitlements shall remain with the creators whose original contributions give rise to copyright protection.

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The Hub’s Role as Steward

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The publishing hub does not take any share of monetisation. Its role does not include participating in revenue management, therefore does not cover duties and responsibilities in the administration, distribution, and reporting of these royalties.

 

The hub acts as a steward—facilitating publication, distribution, and visibility—while ensuring that ownership remains clearly attributed and documented. In this context, publication, distribution, and visibility refer to how we bring creative work from internal collaboration to a wider audience:

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• "Publication" includes the formal release of completed works through our official channels. This may involve preparing final audio and video recordings, documenting credits, writing accompanying descriptions and texts, and archiving each piece in our platform with clear attribution.

• "Distribution" refers to how these works are shared outwardly. This can include uploading songs on our platform and/or other streaming or sharing platforms (e.g., YouTube) as DP sees fit to adopt, making them accessible through our website or community channels, and enabling non-commercial sharing in alignment with our licensing approach.

• "Visibility" focuses on ensuring that both the work and its contributors are seen and recognized on our platform. This may take the form of featuring releases on our platforms, highlighting contributors in blogs posts, events, or showcases, maintaining contributor profiles on our website, posting edifying reflections of contributors' unique learning and profession journeys on our website and/or other streaming or social media platforms, and creating opportunities for the work to reach relevant audiences or communities.

 

Together, these efforts ensure that each creation is not only completed, but thoughtfully presented, accessible, and properly credited—supporting both the integrity of the work and the growth of its creators and contributors.

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Supporting Creative Growth and Professional Development

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We actively encourage all contributors to build and showcase both their learning and professional portfolios with us. Our platform serves not only as a publishing space, but also as a living archive of each contributor’s creative journey of personal artistic growth and professional endeavor. By participating, creators can develop a body of work that reflects their skills, knowledge, and artistic identity, supported by proper attribution and visible credit for every contribution, as well as thoughtfully share their reflections as stewards of God's creative gifts and talents in their journey at DP. Where possible, we provide structured credits, contributor profiles, featured interviews and editorial acknowledgements, historical records of contribution, and documentation that contributors can reference in their professional pursuits.

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Culture of Attribution and Credit

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We uphold a strong culture of credit and recognition. Every published piece will include clear acknowledgment of all contributors, including but not limited to songwriters, singers, musicians, topliners, arrangers, instrumentalists, producers, and individuals who have contributed meaningful creative direction in one way or the other. Contributions that shape the final work—whether musical, conceptual, or collaborative—are valued and recognized transparently.

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Protection of Creative Integrity

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While our work may be shared freely, it must not be misrepresented, altered without permission, or used in ways that undermine the original creators’ intent or credit. To protect our collective output, we adopt appropriate measures such as maintaining accurate records of authorship, using licensing frameworks that reflect our non-commercial intent, and setting clear guidelines for external use. 

 

Guidelines for External Use and Permissions

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These guidelines may include requirements that all creators receive proper attribution whenever the work is shared, performed, distributed, or adapted; prohibitions against commercial exploitation without the explicit written consent of all copyright holders; restrictions on modifying, remixing, or creating derivative works without prior approval; requirements that any authorized adaptations clearly identify the original creators and the nature of the modifications made; limitations on the use of the work in contexts that misrepresent the creators' intentions or values; and procedures for obtaining permission to use the work in public performances, recordings, broadcasts, publications, educational materials, promotional content, or digital platforms. Any external party seeking to use the work must comply with these guidelines and write to DP concerning obtaining the necessary permissions from the copyright holders before proceeding.

 

Principles of Responsible Collaboration and Guidelines for Dispute-Resolution 

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We also encourage responsible collaboration. All contributors are expected to respect one another’s ideas, seek consent when building upon shared material, and uphold integrity in how contributions are represented. DP requires all contributors to document their roles and creative input throughout a project. Disputes regarding authorship, ownership, attribution, credit, licensing, or the use of creative works will be addressed openly and fairly, guided by documentation, evidence of contribution, and mutual respect.

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Internal Resolution Process and Internal Review Panel Procedure

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In the event of a dispute, the parties involved should first attempt to resolve the matter internally among the parties through direct discussion in good faith. 

 

If the dispute cannot be resolved through informal dialogue, it may be referred to an internal review panel designated by the organization. The panel shall consist of impartial members who are not directly involved in the dispute and who will review relevant documentation, including project records, communications, drafts, recordings, version histories, contribution logs, and any prior agreements between contributors. The panel may invite written statements or meetings with the parties to ensure all perspectives are considered. 

 

Recommendations and Outcomes

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Following its review, the panel may issue recommendations regarding authorship, attribution, ownership shares, credit allocation, licensing rights, or other matters in dispute. Contributors are encouraged to accept and implement these recommendations in the spirit of collaboration and the organization's mission.

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External Mediation by Mutual Agreement

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Where a dispute remains unresolved after internal review, the parties involved may, by mutual agreement, seek the services of an independent mediator or other dispute-resolution professional of their choosing. Any such process shall be undertaken solely at the initiative and responsibility of the disputing parties.

 

Responsibility for Mediation Costs and Proceedings

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All costs, fees, expenses, administrative charges, legal costs, and any other financial obligations arising from the mediation or dispute-resolution process shall be borne exclusively by the participating parties, in proportions agreed among themselves. The organization shall not be a party to, sponsor, administer, finance, participate in, or assume responsibility for any external mediation, arbitration, negotiation, legal proceeding, or other dispute-resolution process. The selection of the mediator, the terms of engagement, the conduct of the proceedings, any agreements reached, and any resulting obligations, liabilities, or consequences shall be the sole responsibility of the disputing parties.

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Legal Remedies and Organizational Neutrality

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Should the parties fail to reach a resolution through external mediation or other voluntary means, they retain any rights and remedies available to them under applicable law. The organization shall remain neutral and shall not be liable for any claims, costs, damages, judgments, settlements, or other outcomes arising from or related to such disputes.

 

Interim Measures During Disputes

 

Pending resolution, the organization may, at its sole discretion, suspend the publication, licensing, distribution, performance, monetization, or other use of the disputed work in order to preserve the interests of all contributors and protect the integrity of the organization. Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted as limiting any contributor's legal rights or remedies available under applicable law.

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Commitment to a Respectful Creative Community

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Through this policy, we aim to create an environment where creativity can flourish—one that balances openness with respect, and sharing with rightful ownership—so that every contributor can take pride in the work we bring into the world together.

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