Discussion of all things related to Public Domain

[tom poe <tompoe AT amihost.com>]

Hi, John:  Are there fundamental principles being followed as regards
the global economy as we move into the Digital Age?

The reason I ask, is that Open Studios would like to do a case study on
a musical group that is already successful using Digital Age
technology.  

 "The site allows fans of the band to download sound board recording of
live concerts. High quality recordings of the shows are usually
available within two days of the concert. Phish has allowed fans to
record and swap tapes of their live shows for years. This built the
strong trading community that now, is happy to pay for the high quality
sound board recordings. The site has generated more then 1 million
dollars in revenue on a few hundred thousand downloads."
http://www.p2pforums.com/
portal.php?article=1&sid=5f0f3037906c5227d4bad6ad9ce54bda
Phish Generates Over 1 Million Dollars with Online Downloads    Posted:
JiMiThInG @ Tue Aug 12, 2003 9:00 pm

What's interesting about this example, is, that recently the ability to
utilize a low-end PC, Open Source software, a microphone, speakers,
keyboard and mouse, are all that is needed to produce CD's that are the
equal or better than major recording studios put out.  If you add a good
quality digital camcorder, or two, the DVD's are as professional as the
major recording studios.  The work of Computer Center for Research in
Music and Audio [CCRMA] at Stanford, the European Consortium of
universities and research institutions working on the AGNULA Project,
are but two efforts that recently produced a level of sophistication in
audio and video production that rivals commercial products in the
market, today.

Thus, for no money, or very little, musicians are able to compete in the
global market place, today.  The Phish band appears to be adapting to
the Digital Age, with what cyberspace law already exists.  Is it
possible, then, to expect that cyberspace law needs to anticipate the
explosion of musicians, artists, and authors as an inevitable
consequence of the Internet and access to computers by individuals?  Or,
are there fundamental principles at work that will inhibit, or
significantly impact on individuals competing in the global economy?

Any pointers to assist me in my interest is appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom Poe
Open Studios
Reno, NV
http://www.studioforrecording.org/