Gone Green

After many different directions, I have decided to take this blog green. In addition to the occasional other news I may pop off on, I will be offering green tips and tricks from myself and the web. I hope you enjoy.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Youtube and copyright

I am sure many of you are like me, and getting frustrated as hell over youtube removing songs and videos because of copyright infringement.

Artist, musicians, companies, let me explain something to you. Something you may not and obviously don't get. The fact that somebody takes the time to create a well done, artistic video, (something a lot of artist can't do)with your song as the backdrop means they like the music. These people have done more to turn me on to more songs and artist then any other means. And by you having them removed, it turns me off. You are getting absolutely free advertising of your music. A lot of people like me will see a good video, go straight to itunes and purchase the song.

Does it hurt you that somebody uses your song in a video and post it on the web? No, not in the least. Are you afraid somebody will hold up a tape player and record a fuzzy version of your song and get it for free? Most would rather pay $0.99 through itunes and get the high quality version.

Its free advertising, it gets your song out there, and it causes you no harm. So stop doing it already!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Bartering

The act of trading, or bartering fills some people with extreme excitement, and others with extreme dread. However, in the current economy, people are turning to trade as a means to acquire what they need. One mans junk is another mans treasure. Food for labor, labor for materials, material for material, cars for trucks, etc etc. If you have it, somebody wants it.

All items, services, thoughts, have a value to them. For instance, I can do basic web design, and also have my own hosting service. I can trade my ability to design a website and maintain it for a vehicle, dental work, food, or whatever based on what my client needs or wants. A lot of people want money, but when a lot of people dont have money, maybe its best to go back to a trading means?

One thing people have confusion over is how to place a value on their items/services for barter. And not wanting to get shorted, or short somebody else. For cars, look around and find a trade value or dealer value, these are good indicators of what your car could barter for. Cash price would be less, usually by 20% or so.

The best place I have found for bartering is craigslist. I usually get emails within minutes of putting something up for trade. Also a lot of areas have started a bartering website for the communities. Look around online to see what you can find.