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Friday, May 17, 2002 |
First Copy-Protected Music CD Released
"For the first time, a domestic record company has released a music CD in copy-protected form.
Representatives of Eclips Music and Settec held a press conference Monday to announce the release of '2002 Korea,' a compilation album of domestic hip-hop artists. It is the first domestic CD to use a new copy-protection technology developed by Settec, a company that specializes in digital security.
The technology, called Alpha-Audio, allows consumers to listen to the music on CD, but prevents them from converting the songs into computer files.
The single album comes in a two-CD format _ one for audio use, and the other to be used on personal computers. The first CD is strictly for use on regular CD players and stereo systems, and cannot be played on personal computers. The second CD is a copy-protected mp3 version of the same album; the files can be played on a computer but cannot be copied or transferred onto its hard drive....
Companies abroad, such as Sony and BMG, have already released copy-protected CDs that cannot be played on computers and some other devices. Universal considered releasing the newest album by rap artist Eminem in copy-protected form.
So far, the Eclips and Settec say that they are satisfied with the effectiveness of the new program. Since the album was released Friday, unauthorized mp3 copies of the album have yet to make their way onto Soribada, according to Eclips Music representative Im Ki-tae....
'The point is not necessarily to completely block the illegal copying of music, but rather to change people's attitude about buying CDs. Copying and downloading music has become so prevalent that many people consider it a waste to spend money on CDs. We need to change that,' said Im." [Hoover's Online, via Steven]
Actually, many people consider it a waste to spend money on CDs with songs they can't transfer onto their MP3 players. What we need to change is the dinosaur mentality that content should be locked up in ways that prevent consumers from using it in different, but still legal, ways. I hope they do release Eminem's CD this way, because then we'd see a real outcry from all of the kids buying it and maybe then the music industry would wake up to the potential market awaiting the first company to clue in.
The article doesn't mention if the CDs are clearly labeled as MP3-player incompatible, which would bring up a whole host of additional issues.
4:38:38 PM Permanent link here
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"CORUSCANT -- Presiding over a memorial service commemorating the victims of the attack on the Death Star, the Emperor declared that while recent victories over the Rebel Alliance were 'encouraging, the War on Terror is not over yet.'
'We will continue to fight these terrorists, and the rogue governments who harbor them, until the universe is safe, once and for all, and the security of the Neo-New Cosmik Order ensured.'
It was one year ago today that the Death Star, perhaps the greatest symbol of the Empire's might, was destroyed in an attack by fanatic Rebels, who used small, single-person crafts to infiltrate seemingly impenetrable defenses. Thousands of mourners were on hand to remember and pay tribute to the victims and their families....
The Emperor closed his comments today by stating that 'the cowardly attack on the Death Star left a deep scar on the Empire. However, we will not stop fighting until every last evildoer has been brought to justice.' He paused for several moments, wiping away a tear and then added with determination, 'We will never forget.'
'I wish we could all just get along," said one of the mourners. "But it's hard to offer an olive branch to a cult of religious fanatics whose main tool is violence and who insist on calling us the Dark Side.' " [Slashdot, via bOing bOing]
The Case for the Empire over at The Weekly Standard is pretty good, too, if you can get in to read it.
2:42:02 PM Permanent link here
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Legal eagle friends and favorites, please tell me this doesn't mean what I think it means:
Publishers' Licence Bid Gets Boost
"Legal publishers hope they can use a recent federal court ruling to stop law libraries across the country from photocopying and charging fees for parts of law books without a licence agreement.
In a 132-page decision released on Tuesday, the Federal Court of Appeal said the Law Society of Upper Canada -- the governing body of Ontario lawyers -- had infringed copyrights of three legal publishers by selling their work without a licence." [The Globe and the Mail]
Steven found the full decision. Help!
1:13:37 PM Permanent link here
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We were using a MapBlast map on the Locate SLS on a Map page of our web site, but someone just notified me that there's an error message appearing where the MapBlast map used to be. Sure enough, I go and look and I see the vague and chiding message "Error: improper settings."
I tried to seek out the proper settings on the MapBlast site, but apparently MapBlast doesn't provide this service anymore. Fair enough, but check out MapBlast's FAQ:
"Can I place a link to MapBlast! on my website?
No. Mapblast is not currently offering this service."
Come again? Have a seat while we talk about a little something called "the World Wide Web" and how it works....
I think this is just a poor choice of words on their part and that they are trying to express the fact that they don't want you to link to specific maps on their site, but who can be sure these days.
I can't "link to their site." Sheesh. Like I was going to now anyway....
Addendum: It looks like MapBlast, MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, and MapsOnUs no longer let you display a map on your site. Instead, you can only link to the pre-configured maps on their site. Again, fair enough, but does anyone know of a service that lets you display the map on your site for free? I'm willing to put their logo on my page and link the map to their site. TIA.
10:09:34 AM Permanent link here
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Thanks to Andrew Ducker for sending along the following Guardian Unlimited articles:
Offhand, I can say their choice of headlines for these articles is rather poor, especially for that last one which is actually a positive article! It also contradicts the first one, so take these with a grain of salt (I'm still trying to figure out the point of the last article).
9:00:02 AM Permanent link here
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"This is an experiment - can a seldom-published writer use a weblog to attract enough interest in a novel to find a publisher?
The novel in question is American Invisible, Inc. You'll see a link to it on the left of this page. It's a tale of three modestly poor people in New York City who suddenly find themselves out of work.
The Towers have fallen, the dot com party has ended, and firms are looking to shed staff, not hire. So, out of desperation and a bizarre combination of skills, the trio set up American Invisible, Inc., probably the most unusual detective agency you could ever hope to avoid.
I'm aiming for a daily publishing schedule for this text version of the book. Next comes the MP3 audio version via download and CD....
With American Invisible I'm trying to invert the system, so readers hear about a book before publishers:
- I'm writing the book almost as I publish
- I want to publish a section of a chapter every day
- Everything is a draft. If a chapter isn't as strong as it should be, I can change it
- I'm promoting the book as much as I can, but it'll have to stand on it's own merit, just like anything else. I can't make you like it
And here's the important bit:
- Ultimately, if it attracts an audience, it might just attract old fashioned paper publishers, too. And those publishers will already know they're on to a winner
- If it doesn't attract much of an audience, at least the book is out there, on the web, where anyone who does want to look, can read for free.
An author chronicling the creation of his work via a blog. What a great idea!"
8:52:34 AM Permanent link here
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Who Said Nobody Likes Lawyers?
" Congrats, Ernie! Ernie passes the 10,000 page view milestone (as noted at the Radio Community Server).
What I really want to do is set up an RCS site that's for the law blogs... but that requires a dedicated machine. And right now, I can't seem to find one for the task. I think that's where things are heading, though: self-selected communities that are microcosms of the larger 'blogosphere' (a goofy term that sounds like it's straight out of a D 'n D role play).
And Ernie will be the Adam Curry of the bunch." [tins ::: Rick Klau's weblog]
Rick hones in on an idea I've had bubbling in the back of my mind - I want an RCS server for library blogs. Not only that, my plan for world domination includes implementing blogs at every Illinois Library System and using RSS news aggregators to subscribe to their channels. I want an RCS server for that, too. Eventually, all of the libraries in Illinois will be on board. From there, we expand out to other states and library organizations, then the Library of Congress, British Library, etc.
Bwahahahaha!
1:29:17 AM Permanent link here
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Seniority On The Web: The Fastest Growing Online Population
"One of the biggest myths about online advertising is seniors are neophytes. Is there an age gap on the 'Net? Let's take a look at the online adult population as a whole. According to the latest data from The Harris Poll, fully two-thirds (66 percent) of American adults, or 137 million people, are now online. This includes over half (55 percent) of all adults who access the Internet from home; almost a third (30 percent) who access it from work; and nearly one in five adults who go online from a school, library, cybercafe or other location. Third Age.com found over the next 15 years, the 50-64 year-old market will grow 50 percent and the 65+ market will grow 32 percent. The 18-40 market will grow only three percent."
This means that libraries need to market this population more. These are the people who are going to be the next 'seniors', who are famous for voting during library budget time, so keep them happy!! [Library Stuff]
1:14:39 AM Permanent link here
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"CNET: Dashed hopes for dashboard electronics.
The 'Telematics' vision was destined for failure, everything that they're offering are things that consumers do not perceive a need for.
These are the automotive electronics that consumers can be sold on:
- Cellular handsfree systems. Bluetooth is going to make it practical to build handsfree systems into every new car. The system in the BMW 5-Series in the one to emulate, it has steering-wheel controls and directory navigation is integrated with the in-dash display.
- MP3 players. Ideally disk-based with a large display, able to rip CDs directly and bulk-transfer over Wi-Fi. The Rio Car is a fine starting point.
- Back-seat babysitters, aka video entertainment systems.
- Navigation systems. Seems like everyone I know with a new $35k+ car has a navigation system. I don't get lost often enough to need one, but it seems that many consumers do (or perceive that they do)."
[Bryce's Radio Experiments]
I'd like numbers one through three this year, but number 4 is definitely me already. When I bought a new car last fall, I knew I wanted a GPS system from the get-go. I used to be really good at navigating, and even when I got lost I had a knack for getting back on track.
Then I moved to Chicago. I have a theory about Chicago. I think if you're born here, you have an internal compass that is automatically oriented to the east. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you know which direction is east. You could be standing on your head, wearing a blindfold, spinning around in circles, and still know which way to head to get to Lake Michigan. It's in-bred, and I think it must have something to do with a magnetic shift of the Earth's axis underneath Chicago. That or the ozone layer above it.
Whatever it is, it screws up the natural geographic orientation of the rest of us. Ever since I've moved here, I inevitably choose the wrong direction when I don't know where I'm going (sometimes, even when I do know where I'm going!). I don't perceive I'm getting lost - I am! So I decided it was time to fight back with technology, and I had an after-market GPS system installed in my car when I bought it.
It's been a wonderful friend and toy, and I haven't regretted it once. Everyone that sees it loves it, and now Sheree even switches cars with me when she has to go somewhere new. Like my ReplayTV and wireless network, I'd never want to be without one again!
1:10:17 AM Permanent link here
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"You might have heard of the Rejection Line. But did you know it's a cunning experiment in meme-spreading by an MIT Media Lab alumnus. Jonah Peretti, the creator, was also behind the 'Sweatshop' Nike brouhaha. He designs memes for a living. Feel manipulated now?" [Nickdenton.org]
Heh, heh - remember that little talk we had about authenticity earlier this week? I love the idea behind it, though. I want a job in the field of "viral media experiments!"
Learn more about this project in Alternet's interview with The Poster Boy of Guerilla Media. Of course, the story is from January and I'm just now tuning into this particular meme, so either it's slow on the uptake or I am.
12:58:53 AM Permanent link here
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I noticed two emerging technologies (intentional adjective) being noted at today's O'Reilly Emerging Tech Conference.
The first is from Alan A. Reiter:
"O'Reilly gets it. Well, of course they do. This a terrific example of how a conference organizer can leverage articles about the speakers and coverage by Webloggers via WiFi as the conference is going on. On one page O'Reilly has a couple of sentences and links to such Weblogs as boingboing, raelity bytes, megnut.com and many others. It also has links to articles about the speakers and photos of the conference.
Conference organizers need to see and know about this. It's not rocket science, but not many conferences are doing this. I'm going to make sure the attendees at my WiFi conference for conference organizers know about this. I'm also going to use it as an example in my other conference presentations and as part of my wireless consulting (and I speak around the world about this stuff).
Unfortunately, most conference organizers are clueless about the value of this sort of information."
This is a fantastic idea to implement at library conferences. There are enough librarian bloggers and wireless librarians these days that I can think of no better way to get immediate dissemination of panels and presentations out to the 99% of the profession that can't make it to any given conference. After all, we are in the business of sharing and disseminating information!
The second is from Rob Flickenger:
"So there I was at ETech, sitting in the back of the Emergence discussion, listening to Rael Dornfest, Cory Doctorow, Clay Shirky, and other extraordinary blogging minds thought about the blogging world.
I was thoroughly enjoying the discussion, but I had to wonder, how were the other 200 people in the room reacting to the proceedings? Response seemed very favorable, but I did see quite a few faces staring down, with accompanying tell-tale key clicks buzzing about the room.
If only there were some way of getting into the collective stream-of-consciousness of the crowd, to gauge their actual reactions to what was really going on up on stage....
If you've never heard of EtherPEG, its a Mac hack that's been around for a while that combines all of the modern conveniences of a packet sniffer with the good old-fashioned friendliness of a graphics rendering library, to show you whatever GIFs and JPEGs are flying around on your network. It's sort of a real-time meta browser that dynamically builds a view of other people's browsers, built up as other people look around online.
The effect was staggering. As I expected, traffic was very light at the beginning (a couple of big news and blog sites were obvious, and strangely enough, the Microsoft Developer's Network.) But as the talk continued, some people were obviously letting their minds (and their fingers) wander...
Early traffic showed a very wandering bent.
I was impressed that when Tim O'Reilly stood up to ask about whether bloggers were building a city or living in their own ghetto, virtually all traffic stopped. Evidently, this was something that almost everybody in the room was interested in listening to. And once Tim sat down again, the pixels began to flow once more....
It became obvious that the crowd could be viewed as a living organism, with its own cycles of activity and rest. The chaotic effect of random images plastering themselves on my screen gave me a unique point of view-- it was a sort of mental feedback (much like audio feedback, even with the accompanying headache, only this headache was in some bizarre fourth dimension.)"
Okay, maybe not implementing this one so much at library conferences, but I do find it fascinating! Personally, I think it would be interesting to see what folks were sending back and forth while I'm up there talking. :-)
12:42:24 AM Permanent link here
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Upstream: Programmable Chips
"Late for an appointment, you grab your 'personal information appliance.' Prompted by your uttering the words 'cell phone,' the small gadget awakens and instantly programs itself for a mobile phone call. Done with the call, you say 'translator,' and the device rewires itself to translate the latest business news from Tokyo. Issue the command 'map,' and it reconfigures itself again to take a GPS reading and display your location in real time.
One reason that this type of versatility is not possible today is that handheld gadgets are typically built around highly optimized specialty chips that do one thing really well. These chips are fast and relatively cheap, but their circuits are literally written in stone—or at least in silicon. A multipurpose gadget would have to have many specialized chips—a costly and clumsy solution. Alternately, you could use a general-purpose microprocessor, like the one in your PC, but that would be slow as well as expensive. For these reasons, chip designers are turning increasingly to reconfigurable hardware—integrated circuits where the architecture of the internal logic elements can be arranged and rearranged on the fly to fit particular applications." [Technology Review - Computers and Electronics]
If that "personal information appliance" was an OQO, with VKB projection capabilities, a Bluetooth headset, and if I could see the screen in my eyeglasses, I'd be in heaven!
This abstract is all that is available for free, but it definitely piqued my interest. I'll probably be getting a copy of the full article from the databases we have available at work, but you can contact your local public library to get one for yourself. Check your library's web site - they might even have databases available for searching via the web 24/7. If not, call or email them and they'll be happy to get it for you!
12:25:31 AM Permanent link here
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Fingerprint Follies and the Superman/Clark Kent Biometric Conundrum
"Tsutomu Matsumoto, a Japanese cryptographer, has discovered a means to fool many of the commercial fingerprint scanners available using inexpensive and common ingredients. Using a live finger, he is able to make a fake fingerprint using gelatin. In other words, a "gummy finger." Homer Simpson would love this, because you can eat the evidence afterwards ("Mmmmmm, gummy fingers"). Of more interest however, is that Matsumoto is able to fool scanners with a fake finger created from a latent fingerprint. In other words, the fingerprints you have innocently left on a glass in a bar could possibly be used to fool fingerprint scanners....
One problem with biometrics is that once a form of biometric identity is compromised, that's it. If your credit card or driver's license is stolen, you can always get another one with a new number. However, if criminals have compromised your fingerprints, you can't get new fingers. This is why the issue of latent fingerprint forgery is critical. Using Matsumoto's technique, criminals could create a booming market in photoshopped fingerprint images...." [LawMeme]
Ernest's examination of the use of biometrics in grocery stores had me laughing out loud, mainly because his points are so sharp. I suppose grocery store clerks will have to become federal employees now.
Be sure to read through his entire post to get to the great punchline.
12:14:53 AM Permanent link here
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Doc Searls and Cory Doctorow are both blogging the heck out of the O'Reilly Emerging Tech Conference. There is a lot of great information about Larry Lessig's presentation and Creative Commons in particular (it went live today), so I highly recommend setting aside some time to read through their posts. There's more at their two sites than I could do justice to, and I'd just end up re-posting half of their text anyway.
Very thought-provoking stuff - I wish I was there to hear all of this for myself!
12:04:10 AM Permanent link here
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© Copyright 2004 Jenny Levine.
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