I don't like pushing cases that I can't prove, but in this instance I believe my observations, experiences and reasoning hold more water than those given by the music industry. The following isn't particularly balanced, but hopefully it's thought provoking and offers a not-widely-stated counter to the music industry's claims that piracy is killing their business and that downloading is the primary reason that music revenues have collapsed since the 90s. I'll start off with some graphs which generally illustrate my point before going into a lengthy justification. What the music industry says What actually happened Source: There are many variations of the same graph. The point is that there was a huge spike in the 90s and I aim to explain that. You don't ... Continue reading →

None Continue reading →

Have an exclusive, sneak peak at the impressive gear on display at The Digital Show Expo It’s not every day you can find such an exhilarating gathering of the world’s greatest photographers and the most advanced imaging technology all in one place. The Digital Show looks like it will be bringing the ‘not every day’ to today! Or rather, this week! Whether it’s waterproof armor for your camera, the ability to print on just about any surface and material imaginable, or face to face encounters for personal tips from the world’s leading photographers, The Digital Show somehow manages to bring it all together! The doors to the expo open at 10am on Friday for business and trade, and 10am on Saturday and Sunday for the ... Continue reading →

The Channel 9 Mornings program this morning ran a story about a Christian couple who claim to be able to cure cancer by the power of prayer. Not surprisingly, for those who missed it, there is no acknowledgement of the segment on the show’s website, as such claims made by people who are not registered health practitioners are a breach of the NSW Code of Conduct for unregistered Health Practitioners. To say that airing such a segment is irresponsible would be putting it too mildly. There is enough misinformation and fearmongering about cancer treatment as it is without having a highly popular and well-regarded show give a free kick to such claims. Such simple-minded tomfoolery also stigmatises cancer patients since the obvious implication is that ... Continue reading →

BANGKOK (AP) — Lady Gaga wants to go shopping in Bangkok — for a fake Rolex. Lady Gaga arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday. Pic: AP. The singer made the comment to her 24 million Twitter followers, sparking an online uproar Thursday as some Thai fans called it offensive, insulting and bad for the country’s image. It’s the latest publicity-making turn of events as “The Born This Way Ball” travels through Asia. I just landed in Bangkok baby! Ready for 50,000 screaming Thai monsters. I wanna get lost in a lady market and buy fake Rolex. — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) May 23, 2012 Lady Gaga’s provocative lyrics and costumes have angered Catholic groups in South Korea and the Philippines and Islamists in ... Continue reading →

Australia you are not a good friend Martyn Awayang Namorong May 24, 2012 I'M ON my first visit to Australia right now - and what an introduction to your country. A two-week run of four major cities where I'm meeting politicians, journalists and ordinary Australians. I'm trying to help foster a relationship between Papua New Guineans and Australians beyond business, politics, diplomacy and academia. After all, PNG is a lot more than the Kokoda Track and birds of paradise. We're a nation of 7 million people who aspire to be better than we are. The relationship between my country and Australia is complex. You were once our coloniser. You created institutions: Western democracy on our behalf - a Westminster-style parliament, a free press, a fairly ... Continue reading →