8th January 2008, 08:18 pm
A few months ago I discovered Pandora Radio…it was a fantastic site that allowed me to enjoy music that I hadn’t heard of before. But then something happened. New draconian license fees basically stopped Pandora and other internet radio stations streaming to outside of the USA, and even their US domestic market has suffered financially. However, Pandora hoped that discussions with PPL and the MCPS/PRS Alliance would allow a financially-sustainable service to the UK so Pandora did not block the UK.
But today I got an e-mail from Pandora with some really sad news. This is part of the text:
Both the PPL (which represents the record labels) and the MCPS/PRS Alliance (which represents music publishers) have demanded per track performance minima rates which are far too high to allow ad supported radio to operate and so, hugely disappointing and depressing to us as it is, we have to block the last territory outside of the US.
So there it is. One of the most exciting and innovative companies has been forced to block streaming to everyone outside of the USA. I’m sure Pandora will continue fighting for what is right but they will need support from others. Remember, Pandora are a fully legal company and do not promote any forms of piracy. They do pay royalty fees. They’re the good guys.
Copyright © 2008 Kulvinder Singh Matharu - All Rights Reserved
5th January 2008, 04:33 pm
5th January 2008, 12:26 am
2nd January 2008, 08:47 pm
I recently went on one of those Antarctic cruises in December 2007 spending Christmas out there. The cruise included zodiac landings on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsular. Of course I took lots of photos and I’ll need time to sort through them and start putting them online…it will take me months! I’ll provide an update when the first series of photos goes online.
Apart from witnessing the amazing scenery and wildlife I made loads of fantastic friends most of whom were single and well travelled people like me…it wasn’t what I was expecting at all! We all had real fun and I miss them all!
One or two persons, with their enthusiasm, energy and kindness, reminded me that there is still so much goodness and joy in this world and that perhaps the world isn’t as doomed as I sometimes imagine. I suppose I’ve spent too much time recently looking at just the negatives and using my blog for criticism that I had almost lost perspective. Too many rants and not enough raves.
I now remember why I started travelling in the first place; to meet people and immerse oneself in various cultures, to be alive and enjoy the wonders of this world! It’s now a New Year…a time for reflection and a refreshed outlook. I’m looking forward to it! So thank you all!
Best. Trip. EVAH!
Copyright © 2008 Kulvinder Singh Matharu - All Rights Reserved
