Tag Archive for 'independent'

Committee for a Unified Independent Party appreciates Barack Obama

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by
John
on 4/7/2008
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Quick note: I was pleased to find that the Committee for a Unified Independent Party is endorsing (see update below) Barack Obama, and running advertisements for him in North Carolina. I got a call from them asking me to support their campaign, and I obliged. How great that a “fringe” group such as this recognizes that Obama is a different kind of candidate.

I also noted on their website that they seem to be pretty critical of Nader, that he is not doing constructive things for the independent movement — I agree.

Update: John Opdycke from CUIP got in touch with me and clarified CUIPs relationship to the effort in North Carolina:

The Committee for a Unified Independent Party did not endorse Barack Obama, but rather is providing political and financial support to a longtime independent activist in North Carolina, Tyra Cohen, who has initiated an organizing effort entitled “North Carolina Independents for Obama.” Several of CUIP’s state affiliates have endorsed Obama; others have chosen not to make presidential endorsements but to focus on crucial political reform and base building efforts.

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Steve Job’s big announcement — but what’s the deal with indy labels?

Published
by
John
on 2/7/2007
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You’ve probably heard about Steve Jobs’ open letter addressing DRM. In it he says that the only reason there is DRM on iTunes Music Store music is to appease the Big Four, and if they didn’t demand DRM, Apple would not use it.

The primary criticism so far has been that Apple is shifting the blame; they could have chosen to not participate in such a system in the first place (i.e., never create the iTunes Music Store). I can see the point here, but I think overall, this is a pretty bold move for Apple to make, and I don’t yet see it as a stunt. It’s Apple taking a genuine stance on what is best for their customers and industry.

But here’s what I’m wondering: what about the independent, non Big Four labels that are on the ITMS? Are they demanding DRM as well? Why not ship those songs without it?

Don’t get me wrong, there might be a very good and simple answer for this. For example, maybe the contract with the Big Four demands that all media in the store have DRM.

Does anyone know?

update: lessig is asking a similar question

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