Home Sweet Studio
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/20/arts/music/20pare.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
This article discusses the increasing popularity of musicians using home studios. In the past, musicians and bands would have to book expensive time in professional recording studios. You would have to take the time the studio had available and often you would work into the night.
With the advent of inexpensive computer software programs such as ProTools, now musicians can record their works from home. They will still need to invest in good equipment -microphones, amplifiers, etc, but the expense is greatly reduced. And, of course, the convenience is perfect.
This boon in home recording has helped musicians launch their careers. Many record in their home studio and then publish their works on the web using social networks like Myspace.
I am a musician myself and I've recorded pieces at home using the Cakewalk software. It is a wonderful way to record ideas and then full songs. I have recorded in professional studios such as Reflection studios in Charlotte and Mitch Easter's Drive-in studio in Winston-Salem (he has since relocated) and, yes, the professional studios are better. They have better equipment, microphones, and engineers. But, they are also expensive and most musicians can't afford to record in a studio. The process is simple. For example, I hook my guitar to an adapter. I then use the Cakewalk software to record the guitar. I can add effects (echo, reverb, phase shifting) if I want. I can add as many tracks as I want, then mix it down. I usually save the file as an mp3, but you can save in other formats as well. If I want to add vocals, I just add them as a track, it is all very seamless. You just have the learning curve of the software to contend with.
That is why I find this trend so liberating, it has given voice to a lot of musicians who otherwise would have been silenced.
References:
Home Music Recording, And The Album That Launched It
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/05/13/003046.php
Home recording
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_recording
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Blog 4: Apple iPhone - Why the Hype
Apple iPhone - Why the Hype
http://ipodnewsblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/apple-iphone-why-hype.html
This article is essentially a review of the iPhone, but it touches on something I want to address - all the hype about the iPhone (and new "gadgets" in general).
When the iPhone was first announced by Steve Jobs, it was almost like the second coming of Christ. The hype machine went into overdrive. "Look, it can browse the web. You can read and send email. All you have to do is touch and you'll find directions and movie times." Apple layed it on thick (as do the other companies with their new, wonderful products.)
Sure, it is a fun "toy", but does it really advance us? There is this big drive to have cell phones replace desktop and laptop computers. It really doesn't work. Each has it's place. If I'm on the road and don't have access to a laptop, then some of the features of smartphones like the iPhone will help. But if I'm working on a paper or a desktop publishing document, I really need a bigger screen (and RAM and storage space, for that matter).
From personal experience, sometimes products do live up to the hype. Take the Dyson vacum cleaner, for example. I was skeptical of all the hype, but my girlfriend bought one and I have to admit, the darn thing is excellent at vacumming. Friends who have bought the iPhone like it, but feel it does not live up the hype. This is not a scientific study, just anecdotal.
The best path for consumers is to research each item. Also poll their friends and acquaintances. Marketing is a strong force in this country and it is easy to be mislead by the marketers. We are technologically "crazy" and easily fall for the hype. That is why we need to be careful. At the least, to protect our pocketbooks.
References:
The iPhone beyond the hype
http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=332213
The iPhone hype starts again?
http://www.lbhat.com/?p=234
iPhone 3G review: Twice the hype, half the novelty
http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_3g-review-272.php
http://ipodnewsblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/apple-iphone-why-hype.html
This article is essentially a review of the iPhone, but it touches on something I want to address - all the hype about the iPhone (and new "gadgets" in general).
When the iPhone was first announced by Steve Jobs, it was almost like the second coming of Christ. The hype machine went into overdrive. "Look, it can browse the web. You can read and send email. All you have to do is touch and you'll find directions and movie times." Apple layed it on thick (as do the other companies with their new, wonderful products.)
Sure, it is a fun "toy", but does it really advance us? There is this big drive to have cell phones replace desktop and laptop computers. It really doesn't work. Each has it's place. If I'm on the road and don't have access to a laptop, then some of the features of smartphones like the iPhone will help. But if I'm working on a paper or a desktop publishing document, I really need a bigger screen (and RAM and storage space, for that matter).
From personal experience, sometimes products do live up to the hype. Take the Dyson vacum cleaner, for example. I was skeptical of all the hype, but my girlfriend bought one and I have to admit, the darn thing is excellent at vacumming. Friends who have bought the iPhone like it, but feel it does not live up the hype. This is not a scientific study, just anecdotal.
The best path for consumers is to research each item. Also poll their friends and acquaintances. Marketing is a strong force in this country and it is easy to be mislead by the marketers. We are technologically "crazy" and easily fall for the hype. That is why we need to be careful. At the least, to protect our pocketbooks.
References:
The iPhone beyond the hype
http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=332213
The iPhone hype starts again?
http://www.lbhat.com/?p=234
iPhone 3G review: Twice the hype, half the novelty
http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_3g-review-272.php
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Blog 3: Professors Siding With Jammie Thomas in RIAA Case
Article: Professors Siding With Jammie Thomas in RIAA Case
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/06/professors-sidi.html
This article is about the Jammie Thomas case, who was found guilty of file sharing and fined $222,000. Thomas is alleged to have shared 24 songs in an open share folder using the Kazaa peer-to-peer file sharing application.
The university professors told the judge he erred when he instructed the jurors having an open share folder filled with copyrighted music amounts to infringement.
As professor Cotter states "A download that is authorized by somebody acting on behalf of the copyright owner shouldn't count for infringement," he said. "There's so many different ways this case can play out."
The bigger picture, to me, is the whole controversy over P2P networks or file sharing applications.
The record companies, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have painted P2P networks as evil, leading normally "moral" individuals down a path of wrongdoing.
I disagree, sure a lot of people download copyrighted songs and movies, never paying a cent to watch and listen to this product. But that is not all they are used for, I have even worked at a company where work material (not of a sensitive nature) was shared on these networks to allow employees to access the material from home.
Independent and struggling musicians and film makers use these networks to distribute their works, sometimes leading to breakthroughs in their careers.
I suspect if we were to poll the students at UNC-C, we would find that the majority have used these networks to download songs, at least. Does that make them evil and criminals? I think not.
The legal system and copyright laws have not kept up with modern technology. These issues can be addressed. One look at the success of Apple's iTunes shows that a legal method can be implemented to please all parties.
I work late hours and sometimes have long stretches of time. During this time, sometimes I download songs to listen to. Songs I already legally own at my house. I don't feel I'm breaking the law in doing so. Another example the desire to listen to an album to see if you like it, before you buy it. You download it first and then decide if you want to buy it. I see old movies on TCM where they had whole rooms - where people could listen to music before they buy it. Some stores do this today, but they only have Top 40 available. If you want to test run Captain Beefheart's Trout Mask Replica - well, you're out of luck. But, there is a good chance you can find that on a P2P network, download it, see if you like it, then buy it if you like it.
I suspect the legal system will be forced to address these issues in the future, perhaps with a case even making it to the Supreme Court. Then, perhaps we will have some clarity.
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/06/professors-sidi.html
This article is about the Jammie Thomas case, who was found guilty of file sharing and fined $222,000. Thomas is alleged to have shared 24 songs in an open share folder using the Kazaa peer-to-peer file sharing application.
The university professors told the judge he erred when he instructed the jurors having an open share folder filled with copyrighted music amounts to infringement.
As professor Cotter states "A download that is authorized by somebody acting on behalf of the copyright owner shouldn't count for infringement," he said. "There's so many different ways this case can play out."
The bigger picture, to me, is the whole controversy over P2P networks or file sharing applications.
The record companies, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have painted P2P networks as evil, leading normally "moral" individuals down a path of wrongdoing.
I disagree, sure a lot of people download copyrighted songs and movies, never paying a cent to watch and listen to this product. But that is not all they are used for, I have even worked at a company where work material (not of a sensitive nature) was shared on these networks to allow employees to access the material from home.
Independent and struggling musicians and film makers use these networks to distribute their works, sometimes leading to breakthroughs in their careers.
I suspect if we were to poll the students at UNC-C, we would find that the majority have used these networks to download songs, at least. Does that make them evil and criminals? I think not.
The legal system and copyright laws have not kept up with modern technology. These issues can be addressed. One look at the success of Apple's iTunes shows that a legal method can be implemented to please all parties.
I work late hours and sometimes have long stretches of time. During this time, sometimes I download songs to listen to. Songs I already legally own at my house. I don't feel I'm breaking the law in doing so. Another example the desire to listen to an album to see if you like it, before you buy it. You download it first and then decide if you want to buy it. I see old movies on TCM where they had whole rooms - where people could listen to music before they buy it. Some stores do this today, but they only have Top 40 available. If you want to test run Captain Beefheart's Trout Mask Replica - well, you're out of luck. But, there is a good chance you can find that on a P2P network, download it, see if you like it, then buy it if you like it.
I suspect the legal system will be forced to address these issues in the future, perhaps with a case even making it to the Supreme Court. Then, perhaps we will have some clarity.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Blog 2 : Bill would ban kids from Facebook, MySpace in libraries
This is a comment on article: Bill would ban kids from Facebook, MySpace in libraries from
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2008-07-28-libraries-computers_N.htm
I think everyone would agree we need to protect our children from sexual predators. These predators are smart, they know where kids go online and the most popular sites are Myspace and Facebook.
I agree that controls need to be in place to keep these predators away from the children, however, I do not believe the rights of the children and Myspace/Facebook users should not be violated.
Libraries are a source of information and intellectual freedom and we can't infringe on the rights of our citizens. Yes, we know sexual predators and terrorists may use public computers in the library, but it's a slippery slope when too many controls are put in place.
Compare our freedoms to the Chinese. During the olympics there were reports of Internet sites banned, even from our press. We don't want to go in that direction.
References:
Keep Your Kids Safe on Myspace
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/221102/keep_your_kids_safe_on_myspace.html?cat=15
Being Safe on Myspace.com
Electronic Frontier Foundation:
http://www.eff.org/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/30371/being_safe_on_myspacecom.html?cat=25
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2008-07-28-libraries-computers_N.htm
I think everyone would agree we need to protect our children from sexual predators. These predators are smart, they know where kids go online and the most popular sites are Myspace and Facebook.
I agree that controls need to be in place to keep these predators away from the children, however, I do not believe the rights of the children and Myspace/Facebook users should not be violated.
Libraries are a source of information and intellectual freedom and we can't infringe on the rights of our citizens. Yes, we know sexual predators and terrorists may use public computers in the library, but it's a slippery slope when too many controls are put in place.
Compare our freedoms to the Chinese. During the olympics there were reports of Internet sites banned, even from our press. We don't want to go in that direction.
References:
Keep Your Kids Safe on Myspace
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/221102/keep_your_kids_safe_on_myspace.html?cat=15
Being Safe on Myspace.com
Electronic Frontier Foundation:
http://www.eff.org/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/30371/being_safe_on_myspacecom.html?cat=25
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