I think that any way to help get the book to a greater number of players is
good and that may also include some of the pitfalls that may be found along
the way.
As I said, I think most genuine HG players would much prefer a legitimate
copy (I certainly hope so).
Maybe those with HG websites or those who are builders could include contact
details for the book (with Michael's permission, of course) on their sites
as a matter of course.
We are, after all, trying to ensure that we all become good players,
whatever our level.
It would (and is) nice to see cooperation like this on the list. Maybe some
could even find the funds to stock a few copies of the book?
I'm a fairly new player but have that love for the instrument that we all
share and I think Michael's idea of banning or, maybe even better, giving
the choice of banning or confiscating and destroying, any unauthorised
copies at a venue would be a fair idea. I would like to see that genuine
copies were made available though for those who genuinely thought it was out
of print though.
Please don't worry about sharp comments. We get the same when it gets to
very technical stuff on building (as many of us wouldn't know a hammer from
a spoke shave anyway).
Alden will step in to give us a (kindly) smack on the wrist if we stray too
far but some worry more than others :)
Some of us do just keep going regardless but we generally fall into line.
It's not a closed community as, in reality, we only offer suggestions or
opinions.
Alden's in charge and what he says goes and he's very tolerant with us.
Colin Hill
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian W. Brown" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:34 PM
Subject: Re: copyrighted material was Re: [HG] Music
Arle,
I only meant that discussion on the technicalities of Digital Rights
Management (DRM) for PDF documents was off topic, not the issue of how
to make sure the Muskett book enjoys a long life.
I agree and was not trying to take the discussion off course, but was only
trying to point out some of the problems with a solution that had been put
forth about the Method book.
I completely agree with you regarding that most of the copyright
infringement is due to lack of availability. I *need* this book
personally as I am very new to the Gurdy, but when I check Amazon, I get
nothing Michael. I would love to give you $50 for the book. I would not
accept a copy that had been Xeroxed, as I respect the creative work of
others - this was my point about Doctorow's comment about "keeping honest
users honest is like keeping tall users tall." That being said, note you
have someone here who is more than willing to buy the book but simply
can't find a copy.
I said above I am new to the Gurdy thing... I am, but have "lurked" on
this list for at least a few years now. And I guess this is as good of a
time as any to make this observation. There are obviously some very
talented and knowledgeable people here, but I have been surprised by the
closed nature of the list. I belong to many lists both professionally and
personally - few are as unfriendly. This strikes me as sad, as I love the
Gurdy and wish to learn. Having posted a "hello" or two that were
ignored, to being quietly told to "get on topic" by a list elder does not
make for an environment welcoming to those of us new and curious.
I may simply be more comfortable posting about a topic of which I have
more knowledge - in this case copyright and technology. But my knowledge
here also extends to a understanding of how creative works draw from the
"intellectual and creative" commons. We create new works by "re-mixing"
the past and I thought this was something that we should be reminded of,
particularly in a world that has so much traditional music that belongs to
all of us. I feel I can contribute here and that it does matter, as it
seems a valuable work is at risk of being lost. It frankly surprises me
that the context of my post was not clear.
Sorry for the rant, but I both love and get very frustrated with this
particular community.
Kind Regards,
Brian
--
Brian W. Brown
Director, Electronic Student Services
Room 269, John Thomas Hall
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
Office: 828-262-7124
http://ess.appstate.edu/
http://phpwebsite.appstate.edu/
