Consumer and Creative...

Billy Bragg and Fergal SHarkey feature. .. and, is that Corey Doctorow? Thanks Mark Thomas.

Digital Economy Bill

The Digital Economy Bill. You might have heard of it, it probably affects you (I'm assuming this as I'm only publishing this online) even if you're not into politics or computers. A handful of UK politicians held a debate on it.

There are moments of hilarity (the extended Star Wars metaphor brought a smile to my face) and some sober discussion and some hyperbole, and some strategic distancing from the complex issues at stake, but I think this link is essential viewing for those who want to use the web as a part of their life and/or business in the UK in the future - what we have had up to now is going to change. That change may upset your ability to continue doing what you have done up to now.

I mentioned distancing. Rightly so.

"I am tempted to leave this until the new government is elected"

No need to rush this bill through. Even the politicians are saying so...

Watch.



Take it onboard and get creative - some people have.

UK Music Copyright

Everyone in Dodgy Stereo has been working with music since they were teenagers. When we were young getting a record deal was a shared dream. We were trying to help each other get closer to making that dream come true. We made tapes and CDs and sold them to cover the manufacturing costs, and we gave them to friends and journalists hoping they would spread the good word.

As we all know, things have changed since then. They're still changing, and quite where they're going isn't settled. There are numerous experts (both given titles by companies and self-professed) giving their opinions and predictions. Some seem reasonable. Others, less so.

I read with some interest and concern the following articles, which relate in some form to the speech given by Feargal Sharkey a few months ago.

The comments sections provide some extra points worth considdering. This is a debate which (despite not being a REALLY important life and death issue) obviously has plenty of life in it. Let's swap information about it. Help one another to understand who is going to benefit and/or suffer from changes to the law or a lack of.

Have a look at the video (channel4.com) of John webster (head of music managers forum) and Andrew Gowers (consulted in the government study). Its in part 3 at 12:05.

Here are some further links to sites which were mentioned in the articles..
UK Music - "Upfront and Ruthlessly Independant"
Featured Artists Coalition - "campaigns for the protection of performers' and musicians' rights."
A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace by John Perry Barlow.
Live Music Forum - campaign for live music
Find Your Talent - a programme giving all children five hours-a-week contact with art and creativity.