I must say I expected more from Ann Coulter and Michael Moore--two opposing worldviews here and both view the world as black and white, all or nothing type thinking--no shades of grey. I usually like Mr. Moore due to his tackling serious subjects with more than a dash of humor---but this was a tough read, Stupid White Men, and even I didn't buy most of what he had to say. Liberals are good, Conservatives bad. With Ann Coulter, who has to be the Queen of Visciousness--well her columns are usually laced with witty vitrol--but in this book, Scandal, the wit has run dry and arguments old and lame. I found this to be just plain boring. Oh, and here, Conservatives good, Liberals bad.
During this past year, I have come to realize myself that nothing comes wrapped up in a neat little package. I find I am conservative on some views, liberal on others, and as for the rest I have no clue; therefore sometimes I have to wade thru the dreck like reading these 2 books to come to an opinion...There are no links to their books because I don't want you to waste your money:-)
This article concerning Janis Ian is very informative and interesting...check out the links to her articles...:-)
Musician Disputes Industry's Stance on Music Sharing
Janis Ian Urges Artists Speak Out, Support Free Downloads
Electronic Frontier Foundation Media Release
San Francisco - Grammy-winning songwriter and recording artist Janis Ian today challenged the music industry by celebrating peer-to-peer (P2P) music sharing as a boon to musicians.
Ian, who is in the San Francisco Bay Area as part of her current concert tour, recently published "The Internet Debacle," a pointed critique of the music industry's disregard for musicians and consumers who want to distribute and acquire music online. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) applauds Ian's actions and hopes that others will see the Internet as an aid, not a threat, to musicians.
In the article, Ian assails the major record labels' argument that P2P file-sharing is harming artists.
"Free Internet downloads are good for the music industry and its artists," explains Ian. "Every act that can't get signed to a major, for whatever reason, can reach literally millions of new listeners, enticing them to buy the CD and come to the concerts."
She adds that during the heyday of Napster she saw a marked increase in CD sales from her website. She attacks technological and political measures meant to harm consumers by restricting their right to copy and back up their legally purchased music.
Ian will play tonight in Saratoga, CA, and on August 17 in San Rafael, CA.
During her 17 album career, Ian has earned nine Grammy nominations and three awards. Her best known songs include 1967's "Society's Child" and 1975's "At Seventeen." More recently, her 1993 album "Breaking Silence" was nominated for a Grammy Award as Contemporary Folk Album of the Year. Her songs have been recorded by artists ranging from Bette Midler to Cher, from Glen Campbell to Vanilla Fudge, and from Joan Baez to Etta James.
Links:
For this release:
http://www.eff.org/IP/P2P/20020815_eff_pr.html
Janis Ian's "Internet Debacle" article:
Internet Debacle
Janis Ian's follow-up article:
Fallout-follow-up to Internet Debacle
Janis Ian's tour information:
www.janisian.com
About EFF:
The Electronic Frontier Foundation is the leading civil liberties organization working to protect rights in the digital world. Founded in 1990, EFF actively encourages and challenges industry and government to support free expression and privacy online. EFF is a member-supported organization and maintains one of the most-linked-to websites in the world at http://www.eff.org/
Contact:
Fred von Lohmann
Senior Intellectual Property Attorney
Electronic Frontier Foundation
fred@eff.org
+1 415 436-9333 x123 (office)
You're welcome about the files...it's nice to get feedback whether they are appreciated or not--especially with some of the real rarities like Mike and Darrell have put up.
If people are downloading them or just listening and appreciating them it would be nice if more said "thanks"--whether thru posting or sending an e-mail.
It would also give indication if people are aware of the files--whether music, reviews, photos, etc...it would also be interesting to see how many people are just reading, but not posting. I realize it's just a few that seem to post regularly....but a simple post to say thanks or whether they liked something.....well it could give us a better indication of how many more there are in the club...anyway, those are my thoughts...
If I sound like I'm on a moral high-horse...well I am:-) I like the view:-) I mean I've thanked people I don't particularly like for things they may have uploaded...it's just common courtesy...
I know I have my faults, but I try...:-) I guess the point is if someone is sharing (and not necessarily the music) thank them no matter who they are to you if you enjoy what they are sharing.....that simple. I know it can't always be done, but every once in awhile....give a little shout...esp those that never post...let us know you're alive out there--even if you just post 2 words...
It's pretty much common knowledge that people are not as courteous as they used to be; alot is taken for granted and not given a second thought...it wouldn't hurt to turn the tide a little...
Nobody asked me to bring this subject up...it just dawned on me the other day...I had noticed people putting certain files up with absolutly no response from the peanut gallery--except for a few--some of the regulars. I don't need validation by getting "thank yous"; I will put up stuff until I run out....but I would like to see more acknowledgment, at least for those who are trying to make the club interesting....whether thru posts, articles, music, reviews, photo's up, etc....and if you're reading posts....there is time to post...
And if ya'll don't like this e-mail...."boo and hiss your own selves":-)
Okay--I'm through...
Meant with much respect
just bought a CD by AllisonMoorer--she's in the country/soul/Memphis vein....her last 2 albums are critically acclaimed--her sister is Shelby Lynne--they both saw their parents in a murder/suicide, etc....just for a little background.....
I just got Miss Moorer's CD and there is a sticker affixed to it saying:
"Absolutely No Vocal Tuning or Pitch Correction wasused in the making of this record"
I applaud that, but it implies that type of thing is second hat in the music industry...it's very prevalent in almost all of Nashville product--you can hear it if your ear is very attuned...there are a few hold-outs, here....BUT it is increasingly dominating and taking over pop and rock as well....witness some of the glamour girls and boys who you know can't sing worth a pip inside or outside the studio....they've gotten so good at it that it can be hidden live in concerts....I've talked to some real musicians to back me up and it really isn't hidden anyway. Some of you may gawk at this and say so what.....but eventually it will weed out those with talent who perfect their art....they are considered "difficult"....so why bother with them when you can get a young hottie and mold them into what you want....screw it that they can't really sing...it can be fixed....
One producer here stated in an article that there is already a bona-fide "latino" female singer that Colombia will "virtually" make...she will seem real and sing great.....but she won't be real......that'show close it's getting....
Imagine my surprise then, seeing a movie preview starring AL Pacino in which a "star" is virtually created and becomes an international sensation....BUT she's not real....
Tuning canbe good if used sparingly, but more and more it's getting abused...at this rate the next generation will never know a Bette, a Barbra, a Liza, or a Cher....just cheap imitations, like Madonna -- even though I will admit she makes good pop records and at least has a sense of imagination....
Just a few things to think about....you may not think it's important now....everything is fun. But like anything plastic and manufactured ...you lose interest real fast. Notice how quickly stars come and go now...