More Making Available

The saga continues...

"Breaking Development in Thomas Making Available Case"
http://williampatry.blogspot.com/2008/05/thomas-case-in-minnesota-has-watched.html

Clear Channel & More Qtrax

"Clear Channel Agrees to $17.9 Billion Buyout"
http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2008/05/14/clear-channel-agrees-%2417.9-billion-buyout

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"Qtrax Signs Warner/Chappell to Free, Legal File-Sharing Service"
http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2008/05/14/qtrax-signs-warner/chappell-free%2C-legal-file-sharing-service

Publishers down, labels to go...

RIAA: How it Catches File Sharers

"How It Does It: The RIAA Explains How it Catches Alleged Music Pirates"
http://chronicle.com/free/2008/05/2821n.htm

Take note of the fact that this process cannot identify a difference
in "making available" and actual distribution. Recent court decisions
have brought into question the legality of infringement suits against
persons for simply making their collections available for download.
If the files aren't actually distributed, is this infringement? We
will wait for the courts to decide.

ab

New York Bound?

Yesterday, I took the first big step toward actually moving out of
this great state. I went to the local U-Haul and bought boxes and wrapping foam.

Now, there is probably nothing I hate worse than moving. It is something I have avoided for the last two years quite successfully, but my streak has ended. For those that don't know, my family and I are leaving Murfreesboro, TN to spend 8 weeks in Mississippi. We will be living in an old lakehouse owned by my grandmother. I really can't think of a better way to spend the interim before the BIG PLUNGE. This will be my first summer since I was 15 where I won't actually be doing ANYTHING except sitting around, reading, skiing, maybe a little swimming...life will definitely be difficult this summer.

However, this good-time relaxation will be a good break from everything before I jump headlong into the GRIND. And by grind, I am talking about a potential move to New York. That's right, THE BIG CITY. The fourth largest city on the planet. I smell a good time. There are still a few options I am currently considering, but I really feel like a drastic change of scenery will do me good. My friends know that I get a bit stir-crazy after a while. If there are any NY readers out there, give me a shout. More on these developments as they develop. Until then...

Telecom News

"Comcast Mulling Internet Usage Cap to Discourage 'Excessive' Use"
http://www.siliconvalley.com/news/ci_9183944?nclick_check=1

If Comcast is having these huge bandwidth problems how about
this...IMPROVE YOUR FUCKING NETWORK!! Why should the consumer suffer?
This is the Internet, you are a service provider, provide the service
and leave us the fuck alone!!!

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"Technology Group Plans Wireless Network"
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/technology/07sprint-web.html?

_r=1&oref=slogin

A little competition, sounds good to me. Let's get this thing in gear
so we can really start making money off this, yet untapped, resource.
Look at Japan. Take note. This is very good for music. Now, the
problem is making music cheap enough so mobile acquisition becomes a
habit and not an occasion. Out.

-

ab

Qtrax Redux

"This Time It's Real: Qtrax Inks Universal Music Deal"
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/050608umg

Qtrax Returns!! A deal with UMG and UMPG is definetely a good place
to start. Now the problem will be these enormous upfront payments to
get the license. Will they kill the service? Probably. Innovation has
never been one of Universal's strong suits, but time will tell. Until
then...

ab

Grand Theft Auto

"Grand Theft Auto Simplifies Song Purchasing"
http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN0430077120080505

The consumer needs the chance to buy music WHEREVER THEY ARE!!! Bravo
to the video game industry for pushing this idea along.

ab

More Free Music from NIN

"This One's On Me: Reznor Just Gives It Away"
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/050508reznor

I'm sure you have all heard about this but just in case...

http://theslip.nin.com/

ab

erockster/Clear Channel

"Clear Channel's erockster: The Real Skinny Emerges"
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/042908erockster

Clear Channel's new online radio format, erockster, is an interesting
concept involving user-generated content. Hopefully, the concept of
DIVERSITY might infiltrate their terrestrial stations.

Making Available II

"Court Rejects RIAA's 'Making Available' Piracy Argument"
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9932004-7.html

It is great to hear this case will be going to trial. "Making
Available" has long been the basis of the RIAA's legal arguments.
Many, including myself, have criticized the methods the RIAA uses to
bring suit against P2P users. The shotgun approach has had little
affect curbing sharing volumes and has only led to bad press. Should
they possibly take a different approach? We will see what the trial
judge has to say. Until then...

Adam Beasley