Blurts

Here is a nice review of the net neutrality issue authored by a neutral party – Matt Hamblen writing for ComputerWorld UK.

The impending release of the iPad will likely raise issues of eye-strain. Because the iPad uses a different, but more versatile technology, some may assume that lengthy reading tasks such as reading text book will cause eye strain when compared to devices such as the Kindle. I do like the Kindle, but I had thought the advantage was a much less reflective screen surface allowing me to read in more and brighter settings. A recent NYTime article addresses eye strain and as I understand the main arguement the issue with eye strain is more an issue of the reader having to adjust to the position of the device rather than the device to the position of the reader. I would interpret this to mean a tablet device should be less of a problem than reading from a laptop or desktop display.

I stumbled across the post from AppleInsider indicating the iTunes music sales have slumped since differential pricing (higher for more recent content) was instituted. My own expenditures have been drastically reduced, but my reasons are different. I likely have far less interest in recent releases than the typical music consumer so raising the price for new content from .99 to 1.29 was not much of an issue. For me, Lala has been the difference. It is really about access over ownership. Just as it was no longer necessary to have the physical CD when I moved to music on my computer (ripping my own CDs or purchasing downloads), it is now no longer necessary to have the file on my computer. If I can access anytime I want for .10 per song, why would I pay .99 or 1.29 to own the file. I am guessing my present access/own purchase ratio is probably at least 10:1.

I have been thinking about the book market given the obvious way in which pricing models and delivery systems have influenced the way we purchase music. I am guessing I purchase a couple of books a month. Many I discard before I complete. Only a few that I read cover to cover do I consult again. Add an annual subscription to Audible and you get an idea of the amount I spend on books. If I could access at a lower price point, I would likely increase the number of books, but $40-$60 a month is about my limit. I think the issue with books is a combination of cost and time. Increasing my holdings with a useful search process might be an incentive. Unlike music, most folks must allocate both money and time to consume books. Some may purchase more books if the price was lower (offering income to more authors/publishers), but there is a second limit in the time most folks are willing to allocate. Most folks probably would not spend the time I do reading, so offering them books at half the price would not necessariy double the number they purchase. They have little interest in doubling the time they spend reading. Certain markets, e.g., education, might be responsive to new delivery systems and pricing structures, but I wonder about the consequences to recreational and trade books.

This is the kind of situation that gets me in trouble. I encounter circumstances that strike me as unfair and unprincipled and I cannot leave it along. There is a parking area near my office reserved for university employees. The lot requires a special permit and no overnight parking is allowed. I am not certain of the reason for the ban on overnight parking, but I assume it has something to do with people storing their cars in the lot while they are out of town and the problem of snow removal (which is a present problem). Park in the wrong place or at the wrong time and the parking police are on you within moments.

So, anyway, lately I have noticed that “state cars” have been left in the lot for extended period of time. One has been there for several weeks. You can tell by the pile of snow on and around the car. Kind of a nuisance for the boys in the snow removal equipment I suppose. The aggravation that pushed me over the edge was a state car parked now for at least 4 days in a handicapped spot. I cannot tell if there is a handicapped tag on the car or not (too much snow), but the point of handicapped parking is to accommodate people and not cars. So, at present, half of the handicapped parking is taken up by a handicapped state car.

A basic principle I think is important is that you do not ask others to abide by rules you are unwilling to abide by yourself.

I just purchased a HTC Droid. We actually do make purchases with an eye toward exploring the potential of such devices. I finally reached the end of my two-year commitment for my Blackberry 8330. It was a great “text” phone, but I think more is now required (I do know other Blackberry apps are available, but I found them quite clunky). We cannot get an iPhone in North Dakota. I now am thinking that options are a good thing. The openness of the Droid appeals to me. I have yet to explore “openness” – a technique for taking screen captures is likely to be my first effort.

I appreciate the interest in whether these are devices to learn with. I think so, but I also appreciate the investment I have in the data plan that allows me to explore and interact. The price point still has a long way to go before such devices will be practical for all.

This copyright/fair use issue at UCLA has me confused. My reaction to what many have claimed regarding online fair use is that the interpretation tends to be too liberal. However, this UCLA situation would seem to be covered by the TEACH act and it evidently is not. I understood the TEACH act to allow comparable online experiences to those available in the FTF situation. An environment limiting access to class members is required. So, if you show a DVD in a FTF class, why can’t  you show the same video online?