After nearly a dozen wonderful years in Seattle (and the nearby ‘burbs), the time came for a change. In short, I’m going Southern!
Well, sorta. I suspect I’ll always be a “left coast” kid no matter where I end up, but I am looking forward to changing seasons, fantastic BBQ, and a taste of ACC and SEC sports. But, back to the news…
We’re moving the family down to North Carolina, and both my wife and I will be taking new jobs. (hers / mine)
If you follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter this is old news, but I felt strangely compelled to update my “old” blog as well just to cover all bases. Which does raise a wonderful point about how social networks are truly trumping the need for unfocused, personal blogs. But I digress.
The ridiculous nature of our current copyright system has made me a big fan of sites like Techdirt and groups like EFF. Seeing case after case of organizations, companies, and artists who crap all over their fans and intentionally make it harder for their works to be enjoyed…it just blows my mind both as a fan and a marketer.
…the attempt in Australia by the PPCA where some of the rate changes would rocket up from figures like $125/year… to $19,344/year. Well, it looks like it’s already backfiring badly. Reader Dan alerts us to the news that the organization that represents night clubs and similar businesses in Australia, appropriately named Clubs Australia, has set up a system whereby the organization will specifically go out and seek music by artists not covered by the collections effort, and distribute that music to clubs and other establishments. Then, these clubs, gyms, restaurants and the like can tell the PPCA to take a hike, and still play music.
Good for those Australian clubs, bars, restaurants, etc. Beyond fighting back in a very logical and smart manner, they’re doing a wonderful service for all those independent musicians in Australia who now get their music heard by a much wider audience.
