Sonitotum Episode Three - No Apple In The Pod
Written on September 24th, 2006 by Matt. Filed under Sonitotum. Tagged with Brave Men Run, matt selznick, mws, mwsmedia, podcast, Sonitotum.
This episode reports on and responds to Apple’s actions against businesses, websites, software developers, and podcasters who dare to use the words “podcast” or “pod.” In the process, I get around to just why it is this stuff raises my hackles so much, and why well-known podcasters are obligated to take action.
This episode opens with a performance of what will likely become the theme to Sonitotum, “Keyhole,” an original composition.
Links:
- An overview of the shenanigans, and one possible reason why Apple is targeting Podcast Ready now.
- An excellent article revealing another possible reason Apple is issuing C&D letters now.
- An article that touches upon Apple’s other attempts to control the use of “pod”.
- I retract a destructive suggestion, and urge the podcasting speakers at PME to meet their responsibility.
- The Portable Media Expo and Podcasting Conference.
- Several definitions of the word “pod.” Note the absence of any mention of Apple’s products or services.
- The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “Podcast” as: “a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player.” Again, no mention of Apple. And Apple should know, since an electronic version of the NOAD is included with every copy of the Mac OS X v10.4 operating system!
- “Open the pod bay doors, please, Hal”
- The iRiver, a popular portable media player and podcast listening device.
- Zune, Microsoft’s upcoming portable media player.
- PodcastReady, a little company getting a world of publicity right now!
- Nike steals Dischord Records intellectual property
- The original? “brave men run” quote is from “The Paleface.”
- Sonic Youth have a song called “Brave Men Run” on their “Bad Moon Rising” album. Do people assume it’s about the movie “The Paleface?”
- I wrote a book called “Brave Men Run.” Do people assume it’s about the Sonic Youth song?
- Get the “No Apple in the Pod” tee-shirt!
- The Podcast Guild tee-shirt!
- The Brave Men Run tee-shirts!
- The Matt Selznick News e-mail newsletter.
[...] The third Sonitotum focuses on Apple and other bullies. Check out the Show Notes, download the show directly, or subscribe to it via RSS or (if you must) iTunes. [...]
In the interest of full disclosure, I am what you would probably call an Apple Kool-Aide drinker.
I don’t disagree with your assessment of Apple over-reaching (stupidly, in my opinion) but I question how you could possibly buy any computer or OS today with such stringent moral qualifications for technology vendors. Basically, when it comes to their legal teams, Apple is no better than Microsoft or Disney or any of the hundreds of other companies who see us their customers as sheep needing shearing. Sad, but true.
The whole ‘trusted computing’ BS that’s coming out of the hardware manufacturers thanks to the lack of vision of the dinosaurs in Hollywood should alone keep you away from Microsoft and Intel.
Basically what I’m saying is this my iMac, my Powerbook and my 2 iPods are neither morally good nor bad. They are a preference based on years of dealing with computers on both sides of the non-open source fence and finding that Apple just seems to work better for me.
Hi Dan, thanks for your comments.
Part of my point (perhaps obscured by my rant-mode in the podcast) is precisely that Apple is no better than Microsoft or Disney. What disturbs me is when people come to Apple’s defense as if they were morally superior to other companies, or as if they had the best interests of their users in mind.
Based on your comments, I’d say you aren’t drinking the Kool-Aide — and good for you.
I can appreciate that Apple’s products are the best fit for you — personally, I view computers (and cars, and pens, and anything else that has prestige attached to it via design) as tools. They’re just instruments to achieve an end, and my choice of tool can’t get in the way of the task I need to accomplish. If I discovered that Apple products did a much better job than what I’m using, I would be conflicted, to be sure.
The tools have no moral position. The manufacturers do — or, perhaps it’s better to say, they often take an amoral position.
It’s difficult to strike a balance between using the best tool to do one’s work… and not using products made by companies one finds offensive.
For example, your iMac, your Powerbook, and your iPods work for you… but you seem to be against the restrictive measures represented by DRM, trusted computing, and so on, and you think Apple’s recent C&D campaign is stupid. How to find a balance?
You could stop using iTunes as a podcatcher, as your music organizer, and you could stop (if you do) buying things from the iTunes Music Store. Most importantly, as a Mac user, you could speak out in whatever way you’re comfortable whenever Apple does something that goes against your values. Participate in DRM Smack-Down Day. Use open-source applications on your computers. Write letters.
For myself, I’ve installed Ubuntu Linux on my desktop and notebook computers, I buy my music from the DRM-free eMusic, and I belong to the Electronic Freedom Foundation. Come November, I’ll be taking candidates positions on DRM, net neutrality, and similar issues into account when I go to vote. My distribution practices when it comes to my own creative endeavors, be they books, music, or something else, reflect my opposition to DRM, overzealous copyright, and my support of a merit-driven “long tail” Internet economy.
I respect your position, Dan… and I appreciate your ability to comment on the issue with a non-reactionary, common sense approach. That’s rare!
Thanks for the response!
My position on DRM and iTunes:
I actually like the iTunes app. It works for me and I really don’t see it as hindering me in any way in and of itself.
I have only ‘bought’ a few items from the iTunes store. I prefer CDs. I’m a little old school on this score. I would much rather take the effort to rip the CD myself than to deal with possible DRM crap in the future. Also it means I don’t have to burn a backup.
I understand why Apple did what they did. They bowed to the unfounded concerns of the folks at the RIAA but I choose not to participate in that farce.
I love the Mac OS. It allows me to do what I want and doesn’t require me to call up Apple to verify that I’m not stealing their OS. Unlike Windows it leaves me alone.
Apple as a company, I see as a neutral entity. There are the engineers and programmers who turn out exceptional products regularly. Then there’s the legal and marketing half who are as bad as any out there today.
I looked into the eMusic thing and was disappointed to find out that I would have to pay $20 a month to use the service. At least it isn’t the total scam that some subscription services are but I don’t buy enough digital only music to justify the ongoing cost.
Speaking of the upcoming elections, have you found any good resources for getting candidate positions on DRM, Net Neutrality, et al? I was trying to find info tonight and gave up about 30 minutes ago. I normally vote Libertarian or Republican but I will vote for anyone who will stand up for our property rights in our increasingly “copyrighted” society.
I missed out on DRM Smackdown day but I have been keeping up with the calls to action from the EFF. I try to do what I can.
BTW I forgot to mention that I really enjoyed your reading on Pseudopod. I can’t wait for the next Sovereign Era book
Heya Dan!
On eMusic — the basic membership is $9.95 / month for 40 downloads — that’s about twenty five cents per song, and you own the no-DRM MP3 file outright. There is a $20.00 / month level, but that’s for 90 downloads per month.
I think a central list of “copyfriendly” legislators would be an excellent resource — I’m surprised EFF doesn’t already have this in place. I’m betting it’s out there somewhere… if I find it, I’ll let everyone know!
Thanks for your kind words re: Pseudopod and Brave Men Run — the next Sovereign Era book will be out next year, but before that will be an original, single-volume fantasy novel, “Light of the Outsider.” Look for it late this year!