Categories
Uncategorized

DRM (Done Ripping Music)

I spent much of my time since Xmas attempting to explain how iTunes, iPod, DRM, and freedom all work. Together and against each other…

I used Senuti and CopyPod to move files from different iPods into different iTunes libraries. I did my best to explain DRM and “Protected AAC” files to family members, and I didn’t even get into the doomspeak of “if something goes wrong, you can lose all your music!” I kept it pretty high-level, and just talked about how to manage multiple iPods on multiple computers with one iTunes Music Store account.

I did find it a little sad that things are still more complex than they need to be. I still have vinyl records and cassettes that are over 25 years old which I can play on any compatible device. Now that’s my definition of “Plays For Sure!”

I also bought a bunch of blank CD‘s which will be used to strip the DRM, I mean, make backups, of any songs I’ve gotten from the iTunes Music Store. It’s always good to have a backup.

Categories
Uncategorized

Songbird 0.2 Developer Preview

I finally got around to testing out Songbird

Songbird 0.2 Developer Preview

First impressions? It’s cool. It’s usable. It’s still in development, but I love the concept. It even says “Now with video hack!” which you can see the results of in the image above, where I visited my videoblog at tinkernet.org.

Songbird (the application, and the idea behind it) is cool. I see potential for this thing. As Apple & iTunes seem to take away our rights with each new release, I see Songbird opening things up more and more with each release. When it comes to consuming media, that’s what I’m all about.






Categories
Uncategorized

I Heart 8 Bark

Doug Ward (of Fourth Rotor) is an old friend of mine, and I like the things he’s done…

I really wish I would have known that he released all of the 8 bark music on 8bark.org over two years ago (since I spent a lot of time digitizing my copy of Structurally Sound about 2 and 1/2 years ago) but that’s ok, I’m just glad he did it…

Sure, I may have to talk to him about applying a nice license to the recordings, but dammit Doug, you done a good thing! Thank you my friend…

Categories
Uncategorized

Trigger-Bloggers

Are you one of those trigger-bloggers? You know, you see something on some web site you think is wrong, or you just don’t like, and you post! post! post! as fast as you can, pointing out the errors of someone else’s way…

The latest I’ve seen is the bit about the podsafe music network and the crazy licensing terms brought up by Boing Boing. Now, Adam Curry responded about the changes they made, and this is good, he says:

This is a great example of how the web works; it started with a post on Boing Boing and was followed by a host of pile-jumpers. Although a personal email would have been preferred, it certainly got my attention.

All good, yes indeed, this is how it should work. I think the problem between public finger-pointing via weblogs and private-griping via email is that you leverage the power of the people when you create a post that others can read and point to and amplify. I’ll write up and send an email because I still have my own feedback on the terms, but there’s a chance it will fall into a black hole and I will never get a response.

Now, I’m not saying we don’t need trigger-bloggers, it helps to keep us all honest and on the level with each other, but weigh the options. Sure, everyone wants an email first but everyone also enjoys a good show…

Most importantly, if you do pull the trigger on someone, and they change their ways because of it, please mention the enlightenment you bestowed upon them and the resulting good times that followed. As of my writing this, I still await the post on Boing Boing mentioning the changes PodShow made.

Categories
Uncategorized

Odd Rock Cafe (circa 1988?)

The gang at the Odd Rock Cafe, circa 1988

Blast from the past, courtesy of Dave K.

Dave sent me some video of the “Social Distortion incident” at the Odd Rock Cafe, which might have happened in 1988, but I’m not entirely sure I have the year right…

In the photo, from left to right is me, Scott Schoenbeck, Rob, J.J.(?) Bill Couture, and Brad Stezala. Rob and Bill are doing some sort of funky hand-jive thing that in the video looks like they are describing an automobile accident.