Saturday, September 16, 2006
Dawning of a new era
Hugo - I think it's worth pointing out some of the arguments in favour of software like BLOG ROBOT.
I suppose the naysayers and moaning minnies will be up-in-arms, as usual. They will clamour that software like BLOG ROBOT robs blogging of creativity and of individuality. Some will even claim that the essence of the blog is the personal platform it provides for airing views and sharing one's life experiences. For the sake of argument, let us say that we concede these things in theory. For me, however, this is all besides the point.
What's important is the coming digital revolution. Internet penetration is empowering people all over the world to think and communicate in new ways. It's creating a flat world (although not in the same sense as I meant in an earlier post). A world, however, in which not all of us have the time, inclination, technical ability, or, in some cases, the financial wherewithal to blog. That's where I think BLOG ROBOT comes in. Easy-to-use, blog writing software will make blogging accessible to anyone. Standardised content will cut down on the need to read blogs, eventually eliminating not only the need for bloggers to write, but also for others to read the stuff themselves. (This last point has got to be an advantage in developing countries, where computers may be difficult to come by.)
I feel strongly that we should support BLOG ROBOT - whatever our personal feelings towards WR:TW may be.
And to think... We'll be able to say in years to come, "you saw it first on GFC."
I also believe this significantly improves our chances of getting an audition for the upcoming "I'm a Celebrity Blogger, get me out of here".
Dave
Blog robot
Some good news: today, I received an email from Natalia Wurnz, the editor of WR:TW. They've offered to help us "improve" (her word) our blog by beta-testing their new BLOG ROBOT - the software that writes your blog for you. I've decided to accept the offered olive branch (although WR:TW still insist that our review will remain as originally published). As soon as we get it uploaded (the CD's in the post, apparently) then we'll give it a test drive.
I'm pleased to be able to say that Dinky will be turning his expert eye to the new software for us. In an upcoming serialisation (a bit like Quantum Leap or Vanity Fair), he will discuss the BLOG ROBOT code, its operation and present some results.
Personally, I'm a little sceptical about the idea. Specifically, I imagine that we've been asked to try this out because no one else will. All the same, we're going to give it a go.
I'm pleased to be able to say that Dinky will be turning his expert eye to the new software for us. In an upcoming serialisation (a bit like Quantum Leap or Vanity Fair), he will discuss the BLOG ROBOT code, its operation and present some results.
Personally, I'm a little sceptical about the idea. Specifically, I imagine that we've been asked to try this out because no one else will. All the same, we're going to give it a go.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
We've got the look
It's been a while since we've posted, but I can assure everyone that we've been working hard, and that we've got some, might I be so bold as to say, fantastic content coming soon - much of it delivered through sentences as long as, or even longer than, this one.
In the meantime, it's gives me great pleasure to announce that we're re-mixing and re-releasing a popular single of yesteryear to promote GFC. After a considerable amount of effort, we identified four candidates, based on topicality, catchiness, relevance to the UK garage scene and the possibility of people making fun of us at the bus stop. After a little more thought, we abandoned that list and based our choices solely on the price of the royalties. That second list in full, then:
I was very pleased to find out that, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we could avoid re-recording the video by having our likenesses digitally introduced into the old film. Here, for example, is a still from the original showing Martin Fry (on the right) with his three bandmates.
And here's the equivalent still from the new, digitally remastered, video with Dinky in the same role.
The effect really is remarkable, I think you'll agree. Again, below we see (at left) Martin Fry from the original publicity material, and (at right) Dinky in the same role.
In the meantime, it's gives me great pleasure to announce that we're re-mixing and re-releasing a popular single of yesteryear to promote GFC. After a considerable amount of effort, we identified four candidates, based on topicality, catchiness, relevance to the UK garage scene and the possibility of people making fun of us at the bus stop. After a little more thought, we abandoned that list and based our choices solely on the price of the royalties. That second list in full, then:
- You oughtta know by Alanis Morissette
- The look of love by ABC
- Happy birthday by Stevie Wonder
- Up where we belong performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
I was very pleased to find out that, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we could avoid re-recording the video by having our likenesses digitally introduced into the old film. Here, for example, is a still from the original showing Martin Fry (on the right) with his three bandmates.
And here's the equivalent still from the new, digitally remastered, video with Dinky in the same role.
The effect really is remarkable, I think you'll agree. Again, below we see (at left) Martin Fry from the original publicity material, and (at right) Dinky in the same role.
