The music industry in the UK is flailing. UK album sales were down 11% last year and major, established artists are now finding that album sales are not their main source of revenue.

Enter Harvest Entertainment, management services for the entertainment industry. Harvest have put their clever marketing skills to good use and have controversially found a new path in which bands and pop stars alike can increase revenue from record sales.

Placebo, McFly and Madness are just three bands linked to the company who are now looking for appropriate brands to support them.

The entertainment company was launched at the end of 2007 and is run by Ric Salmon, a man in know when it comes to the music industry. Former vice president of Warner Music International, Salmon is well aware of the transformation the music industry is currently going through.

Since the introduction of the world wide web, illegal downloads have gone through the roof, thus reducing actual sales in the shops. Bands and labels alike have been hit hard, and as a result, have turned to merchandising and tours as greater revenue earners.

Yes, the traditional music model remains intact, but artists are more open to venturing down new avenues. Take Prince, for example; mega star with a back catalogue that would humble any X Factor or American Idol winner, yet he still opted for the alternative route when releasing his latest works, Planet Earth. Instead of traditional sales, he decided to give it away free with copies of The Mail on Sunday.

Then there is Radiohead, who successfully released their latest album, In Rainbows, purely via download for the first few months before later releasing it proper. An instant success, the album reached the top spot in both the UK and US from downloads alone.

Harvest Entertainment is not alone in their adventures in the world of music. International coffee giants, Starbucks have also got in on the act, with the release of Paul McCartney’s first studio album in more than two years.

Selling out? Dear God, no. Macca claims “It’s a new world now and people are thinking of new ways to reach the people and that’s always been my aim.” If the coffee drinking population of the world don’t already know who the legend is, then something is very much awry.

Starbucks added: “This demonstrates how Hear Music can present even the most successful recording artists of all time with unique opportunities to reach existing fans, as well as a new audience of listeners.”

Similarly, dance duo Groove Armada have recently come out of a five year deal with Jive Records, one of the many arms of the Sony BMG machine. They have since opted for a one year deal with drinks maker, Bacardi, which will see the brand funding a four track EP. In exchange, Groove Armada have agreed to play at various Bacardi sponsored events across the globe.

So, you scratch my back and i’ll scratch yours, in effect. The bands are benefiting immensely from backing of large brands. They [the brands] have the money to fund studio time, tours and parties whilst they get the added kudos of ‘owning’ a band.

Whilst this may seem like the next logical step in the evolution of music distribution, die hard fans of the more underground bands such as Kings of Leon or LCD Soundsystem may have a harder time of accepting this new found love with the big brands. Selling out is definitely a term that will spring to the mouths of thousands of pubescent teenagers across the globe. And we all know what happens when somebody is believed to have sold out: Interests cease and sales decline.

So only time will tell whether or not brands and bands will live in harmony or whether consumers realise that they are being hung out to dry by the proverbial scrotum.

“Initial fears that people have with planning the music and entertainment for their event are reasonable, as it is an integral part of the event and can even be part of the main focus. There are many factors to consider when planning your entertainment, not only whether the act you are booking for your event will suitably entertain your guests, or fit within your budget or them;, but you also need to consider whether they will be reliable and professional. In the worst case scenario we have heard of cases where artists have failed to turn up on time or cancelled without giving enough time to book another act in their place. Even if they do arrive, how do you know that they are going to be as good as their demo or showreel? And this is all on top of the rest of the event planning process of organizing catering, a venue or conference facility, florists, guest invitations, transportation, accommodation… need I go on? It can be a very daunting task.”

With this in mind, here are the key elements to think about to help get you started:

The Venue

When booking the venue it is important to check that they have the appropriate entertainment licence and the conditions of their licence including the type of entertainment they are allowed (some venues are not permitted to have amplified music), finishing/get out times, performance area size/space restrictions, if they have any noise restrictions (such as sound limiters), access times for the band/artist, power supply etc.

If you are considering a speciality act that uses fire or pyrotechnics, you also need to make sure that this is permitted in the venue.

These points are always good to know early on as this may dictate the kind of entertainment you can look for. For example, some venues have sound limiters that cut out sound automatically when it goes over a certain volume, so if you have booked a band, this can damage their equipment and most importantly can disrupt the whole evening.

However, all is not lost, even with a limitation on sound, there are still many acts that can be employed such as acoustic artists, but knowing this in advance will help you narrrow your search or review your venue.

Band Hunting

So you know have an idea of the kind of act your venue will accommodate, lets go and look for your entertainment.

Armed with the information acquired from the venue you can now approach the artists, but where do you look? Well, there are a few options available to you:

Option 1 – Search the internet. You can do a search for a certain type of artist/ band, listen to their website demos or watch their showreel and contact the artist directly. Although many artists have their own website, a great website does not necessarily mean a great artist. So not only can this method be quite simply mind numbing and time consuming, it is also a bit of a lottery if you are booking an artist you have never heard of.

Option 2 – Go on recommendation. This can narrow down your search quite fast, but do remember that colleagues may not have the same tastes and what one person may think is great might not be ideal for the guests attending your event.

Option 3 – Go to an agent. There are lots of agencies out there, (I should know, I am own one of them.) Obviously there is going to be a fee increase for this service, (normally between 15- 20 % ) but, if the agency is a reputable one they should be able to earn their commission by verifying the acts and their ability, negotiating their fee to meet your budget, contracting the artist (more on that later) and communicating to the artist exactly what you need.

A note on professionalism. Many people place an importance on the performance but it is important not to overlook the other elements involved with booking an act/band for example, the way they conduct themselves both on and off stage, their dress code and also making sure they turn up in plenty of time etc.

Things to ask the band/act

Whether you are going through an agent or directly to the artist, the questions are still the same.

Here is important information you need to know about the artist:

Availability:

You must first check that the artist is available on the date of your event and that they are happy to travel to the event location.

How long will the artist perform for:

Performance times will vary depending on the kind of act you are booking and the event you are holding.

There are so many different possibilities depending on your requirements, but to give you an example, a typical live performance by a function band would be something like the following:

2 x 1 hour live sets (I like to include CD music in between and up to 45 mins after the performance)

Or

3 x 45 mins live sets (again with the bands would be quite happy to provide CD music in the price)

Act/Band styles

Some artists are available as a ‘walkabout’ act as well as a stage act and some bands can perform as an acoustic duo or trio, as well as a full party band.

If you have a larger event then you may wish to have a reception performer when the guests arrive or are eating lunch/dinner. This could be a walkabout act, close-up magician or acoustic duo or trio band.

We have supplied many events with walkabout Mexican Mariachi bands, acoustic Hawaiian trio band, close-up magicians, human statues and Gypsy jazz musicians. It’s an upbeat and fun start to the evening before the main act, as well as a brilliant ice-breaker if your guests don’t know each other.

The latter part of the event can then incorporate a stage show or band for dancing, either using an artist from earlier or a different artist altogether.

Repertoire:

If you are booking a band, you should be able to get a sample set list from the band. I generally advise my clients to let the artist gauge the event as to what songs are played but within your initial enquiries it gives you a great idea of what they can do.

Fees:

Once the artist has all your requirements, they will then be able to quote you formally.

The fee you are quoted will be dependent on the location of the event, the performance you require, what day of the week your event is being held and the time of year your event is being held.

Barter!!

Don’t be afraid to barter, most artists/agents are happy to negotiate their fee, as every event is different.

The Booking

Let us assume you have narrowed down a selection of acts, what next?

If you have decided on the artist you wish to book, but you need to get the go ahead from your MD or person paying for the event, it would be recommended to ask the band to hold that date for you.

Most artists will be happy to pencil in a date for you if you require time to make a firm decision about booking. This ensures that they won’t take another booking while you’re in the decision making process.

Deposits and contracts

Any reputable band or artist will insist on a contract to be signed by all parties once you confirm your booking. This should include all of the information that both sides have agreed to.

More often than not, the contract will also include a requirement for you, as the client, to provide refreshments and lockable changing facilities/dressing room for the artist during their time spent at your event.

You may also be sent an artist rider with the contract which is a list of artist requirements that you will be expected to provide as a courtesy.

Things to confirm within the contract:

Artist Name (making sure that the performers are the same ones as the demo/showreel!)

Location for the artist to appear

Date of performance

Time for arrival and set up of the artist

Performance times

Fee and payment terms (i.e deposits and payment due dates)

Artist contact number

Cancellation terms

Any special requirements regarding the performance/venue/guests or artist rider

As soon as you have signed and returned the contract and paid your deposit, your booking is confirmed.

The artist should be able to contact you a week before the performance to confirm any changes that you might have and you can rest assured that you have done all you can to make your event a night to remember.

Don’t Trust On Get Rich Scams & Empty Promises While Looking For Christian Home Based Business Opportunities

Home Based Business models and opportunities on the Internet. Very few people have
considered very ethical or Christian Home Based Business Opportunities, whose personal integrity is very important for small businesses. Since the economic crisis, many money from home for asylum seekers on hunger for the rich to work in jobs at home, when found, front, pretending potential scams! Unfortunately, you can not trust the content, support, training, or even calls for money.

fled in search of work Fair Employment and community meetings. They rush job from home, home based Internet business models to earn money online, and other creative ways to earn extra money. Nobody needs to look long to see any ideas for making money on the internet trying to provide free transport of small business, mlm leads, mlm opportunity, online music services, data entry jobs and business ideas. So few people are concerned about ethics, honesty, honor, respect, and do the right thing.

A Commonsense Question

People tirelessly have seen here and there to real home business income, income that would free them from their state of economic servitude. Used a Christian home based business opportunities could be the answer. Or at least companies that promote personal integrity.

So why the major research to find a job at home that demonstrates the value and integrity? What the contractor out to find a company based on integrity and is involved in the options of a Christian?

Personal Integrity Secret Keys

Purpose
Value
Respect
Positive Relationships
Love
Joy
Peace

These qualities attract people to create their own business at home, to write their own salary. Highly respected and appreciated desired.

People often experience extreme joy and excitement of making money from home and the number of work at home jobs are increasing every day. More people are forced to businessman who founded affordable housing as a fundamental value integrity.

WOW A business opportunity make money online honest REAL!

What Is Really Important In A Life?

Although small businesses and jobs at home rarely develop any significant income from christian home based business opportunities quickly is unclear why the money is not everything there is a work from home. home based business and personal integrity is essential, because people really want:

Leverage time to be with family and friends
Earn extra money for vacations and travel
RELAX and enjoy life to the fullest
Use their business or home opportunity to help others succeed
Give to the needy

Immediate Challenge To You

If you want to earn money, develop the Internet business at home, or start business online home base when it comes to success in life or work, discovering your purpose, your reason and the main secret of personal integrity , is the place you miles ahead of competition!

Be serious, what you do and why. Christian Home Based Business Opportunities are not the only work of homework can make a difference. You can too!

Lagos state, once tagged as “The Home of Aquatic splendour” but now referred to as “The Centre of Excellence” plays home to a Nine Million multi- ethnic based people. A controversial figure declared by the National Population Commission, based on the census conducted in March 2006, and vehemently opposed to by the Lagos state government. The city nests thousands of residential and non-residential buildings, scattered across its beautiful unmastered planed landscape, which Governor Fashola is fighting to transform into a “Mega city”. Declared as the hub of economic activities in the Nation, the state has also added another feather to its cap by uncontroversially clinching the title as “The hub of Entertainment”, beating the other 35 states to it.

The Nigerian Music and Movie Industries which are firmly rooted in the state’s soil,   still tap from the economic and social resourceful nutrients which abound on a mega scale. They have over time matured into Iroko trees, spreading their branches internationally, and invariably act as canopies for wary talented individuals, who gladly sit under the economic shade of the industries, enjoying the protective cooling effect from the unbearable scorching financial heat. Dance shoots have sprouted above the soil and have instinctively bent towards the sunlight of entertainment, while Comedy is steadily growing.

Lagosians generally love to have a good time and always look forward to the end of the working week, and declare “Thank God, it’s Friday”,  the time to unwind , hang out with friends and loved ones, attend numerous shows flung right in our faces majorly through the TV and in other cases via the Radio. Musical concerts/promenade shows, stand up comedy shows, Theatrical performances, family and children inclined events, organized by individuals and various corporate bodies within and outside the industry lock horns in an advertorial battle during the week to tactically gain the coins we part with at the end of the day. “There’s no money in the country” is the usual boring phrase one hears frequently, but despite this constant untrue declaration, entertainment spots are never de-bee hived, as Lagosians are bent on having fun no matter the price tag attached to it.

The irony of such ‘fun loving attitude’ is tragically projected during charitable clarion calls, when donations to help the poor, weak, displaced, orphaned, widows and generally the less privileged in the society are made. The financial response seems to be anchored on the low side, but a call to have fun for thousands of Naira, sees Lagosians scampering to the venue, after all they insist they’re having value for their money !. Business moguls aware of the lucrative market entertainment is fast yielding are busy building, acquiring, expanding and renovating premises and adding exquisite interior and state of the art facilities, with a view to clinching the title as “The preferred venue”, for the occasion,  laying to rest the prior display of indecisiveness  adopted by organizers of various events.

The night crawling rate has declined over the years rapidly, following the successive crime rates perpetuated by men of the underworld, amidst a mental projection of their safety and the devastating effect it could have on their loved ones. Unfortunately, the heady ones who defy the laws of the night attend a blind dating game with death, while a minute fraction escape from the dare devils or unforeseen potentially life claiming incidents by a hair’s breath. Age is certainly no barrier in the ‘fun catalogue’ as a thousand and one events centre, entertainment spots gladly extend their arms to embrace their guests irrespective of gender, tribe, and educational background. The unappealing parallel social strata which systematically places a large unwarranted deep gulf between the upper and lower class, some times painfully dictates the places both classes can visit to have fun.

Public holidays offer memorable platforms for the families, friends and loved ones to have fun, the prominent ones ranging from the Easter, Christmas, Edil kabir to Children’s, Workers, Independence day and New year’s day celebrations organized by a few TV stations such as Television Continental(TVC), Lagos Television(LTV), NTA 10 and other Corporate bodies. “The Silver Bird Galleria”, “Nu Metro”, “Genesis Deluxe”, City Mall cinemas, offers a wide range of genres of exciting movies to watch especially from Hollywood ranging from action, comedy, family, romance, thriller, science fiction, crime, to adventure, suspense, musical, fantasy, horror, guaranteed to keep your eyes fixed on the gigantic screen till the closing credits roll. Stand up comedy has taken its pride of place in the entertainment spheres with comedians reeling out rib cracking jokes to lovers of comedy.

Regular shows by various A-list comedians are held at different times of the year such as “Basket Mouth uncensored”, “A.Y live”, “Crack your ribs”, “Live n Naked”. Other highly rated comedians such as Koffi, Owen – Gee, Teju baby face have also towed the path with the pioneer stand up comedy show “Nite of a Thousand laughs” bringing various comedians together under one roof. “Stand up Nigeria” by Bumi Davies, provides a comedial platform while A.Y’S “Open mic night competition” discovers talented celebrity wanna be comedians who also entertain the crowd. The beaches such as “Lekki, Eleko Coconut, Alpha, Kuramo, Akodo beaches, whispering palm, Tarkwa Bay”, plays host to enthusiastic fun seekers.

One thing is crystal clear, that though money is a veritable tool in the fun quest especially one with class and style, Lagosians however remain undaunted, strategically powering alternative mediums to have fun.  Lagosians are poised to show case to the world the entertainment side of life and as our able governor constantly declares “Eko oni baje o!”

So long… auggiepo@yahoo.com

Indian Melody Bhangra Music -Groove to captivating Pop Music

Pop ragtime is the most awesome and popular genre in tune. This genre is keenly famous and is acclaimed world wide. Visit Here Now http://bhangra-songs.blogspot.com

It is the music handsomeness of modern times and has led to a great orbit in the cosmos of music. It is the awesome category of music which has broken various barriers of conventional further traditional popular. This music is beyond the formal education in rock-and-roll or typical rap styles. The sole reason of the roomy flowering of this kind of refrain is its ability to muse besides entertain people.The music is created with an intention to compose and appeal the masses. Anyone and everyone can enjoy this music without being an accomplished and connoisseur of music. It focuses more on entertainment than the artistic and expert conceptualizations. This music does not impress on the some particular music form. However, it simply gives the artist freedom to experiment hide the changed kinds of music and narrate them command their acquiesce styles.

The genre is immensely famous amongst the youngsters and the teenagers. Its style has metamorphose the favourite of the masses belonging to its flexibility. People can tender comprehend it and relate to it. Pop songs are written with sheer target of witty the audience. This chin music genre cannot be typified or classified as per one’s style. This gorgeous style comprises of different moods and it is sheer expression of the artist’s originality that matters the most.Pop Music is gaining faith since 1950′s this great hymn polish has overshadowed unabridged its contemporaries. Played with the typical musical implements like Guitar, Drum and electronic keyboards, the music is whole-hog about high spiritedness and fun. These music bands are very famous again people across the world acclaim them. The orchestra also the singers sharp comprehend the bid band.

Many popular artistes of the music genre have ruled the swing world. Its lovers keenly wait for the release of the albums from their favourite artistes. The Beetles has been one of the most singable music bands in the world. They have ruled the music charts and folks postulate loved their music crazily. Over the years the singers, melody writers further the musicians played a go-ahead role in the ongoing and growth of the genre. Everyone loves to listen to this incredible music style.We are the World, Careless Whisper and Footloose are some of the powerfully rocking hits of the 1980s. existent was the era in which the genre gained its highest position. In 1990s, the music gained higher heights with nymph artistes road unfolding go underground awesome pop popular videos and songs. There were some awesome female singles released that outclassed the male performances. Vogue, The power of Love, Hold On and the goddess are the few outstanding numbers.

Madonna, Shania Twain etc were some of the most dear pop stars of the push on decade. Elton John came up stash some of the most startling Pop classics that gave the music immense attention. Michael Jackson gained the greatest fan following tuck away his unique style and incredible pop numbers.In the present times, the pop music has ruled the music world. No offbeat sort is so popular and admired by the people. With young bid stars gate with innovative further sizzling numbers, this music is all set to achieve new heights. Britney Spears is lone of the hottest pop icons of the new begetting. Her deadly music videos like Oops! I did sound Again, I am a Slave For You etc have untrue her the most certified one’s damndest icon amongst the teenagers. Beyonce Knowles’ Crazy in Love, White Flag and other hits have also rocked the music fans the system over.Jennifer Lopez, Boy Zone, piquancy Girls further other whirl stars have given eminent entertainment to the kinsfolk across the world. Shakira has set a new trend mask her individual refinement with the smashing hits like Hips Don’t Lie and Whenever, Wherever. Visit Here Now http://bhangra-songs.blogspot.com

The great P.T. Barnum – yes the circus guy – was an expert at the BIG SELL. Even though he was a marketing genius he was incredibly diverse in his methods and a real model of creative thinking. One of the masterful things Barnum always managed to do was to make his “product” NEWSWORTHY. He created a story behind the product that contained excitement and emotional content – things that struck a real chord with news agencies and individuals alike.

My old guitar player, Mike Jacobs was our P.T. Barnum and used this principle to make our band, Evil Jake, newsworthy. A brilliant Internet marketer, Mike knew from the beginning that we needed something to set us apart from the hundreds of other bands touring and scraping it out all over the country.

Anyone remember Mountain Dew Red? Well, here’s the short version of this story. Macy Gray was featured in this commercial set in Central Park. Mike and I, as part of the crowd standing around the filming, got some face time on film – approximately 1 second.

Mike saw 1 second in a commercial as a golden opportunity to get some press for the band. He sent out a press release highlighting Evil Jake’s “appearance” in the Mountain Dew commercial which resulted in thousands of hits on the website and a huge amount of internet coverage which still exists today. Just search Google for “Evil Jake” and “Macy Gray” and you’ll see.

Why would news agencies even care? Because they’re STARVING for news! That’s right! Most “news” outlets don’t create their own news. They get their stories from Reuters, or in this case, press releases. Mike Jacobs used the power of the press release to repeat this success on a number of occasions to increase Evil Jake’s visibility and make it easier for the band to exist on the same level as other bands with 100 times the ad budget.

Listen, we’re surrounded by spin. Use the machine to put your music in the spotlight by making it newsworthy.

For more information on press releases, check out prweb or Google “press release distribution”.

For more information on how to think big like P.T. Barnum, check out Joe Vitale’s new book, “There’s a Customer Born Every Minute” on Amazon.

An idea:

1. Use your band to break a world record.

2. Tie in a local charity for support.

3. Release a free limited edition EP in honor of the event.

Stampede would not want to engage in a word game with Iron Markhor. For the time this collaboration lasted, we thank them.

For the future Stampede would want to make this very clear that Iron Markhor does not have the right to make a certain artist’s work its property. they should first consult Liscence of Artistic Freedom for that. A bunch of young boys who try to make heavy metal their domain should first of all go ahead and consult the dictionary for the very terms they build their so called philosphies on i-e Metal, Underground and above all Music…

Second, all decisions taken by Stampede focused on the support of the underground music and were taken in direct consultation with its partners and affiliates.

Stampede comes with a vision. A vision to bring forth the talent that awaist to see the light of the day. Soon Stampede would launch its record label (Stampede Records) to support the cause of the hidden talent. More is on its way including live shows, interviews and media support.

Iron Markhor can live in their cyber domain and keep on brooding over their ‘wannabe’ philosophies, while Stampede brings about the revolution.

Stampede stands for music and art undiscovered!!!

We wish Iron Markhor luck… but sadly even luck wont be able to help these wannabees!

plz have a look and tell me if stampede didnt gave them the credit

http://metalseinen.com/blog/archives/317

u can see that this is still on there site and there name on the artwork

and kindly see this what they have written and the images they used

http://metalseinen.com/blog/archives/419

we are trying to get rid of kids like these who dont know any thing and making false claims and we urge everone to please discourage them

If like most brides you are trying to plan your wedding on a budget, you be stuck trying to plan top notch entertainers at a low cost. You do not have to settle for below par entertainers just because you have limited funds. Try these tips to get wonderful professional wedding entertainment at a reasonable price.

First, shop around. Ask family, friends and friends of friends for recommendations, then spend time comparison shopping. Take a hard look at what each vendor is offering for the price. While one might come in with a lower initial bid, another’s higher price may include more free extras that you really want. Don’t be afraid to ask a wedding entertainment vendor you really want to match the price of another bid you’ve gotten from someone else for comparable services.

Tell your entertainers of choice what your budget is up front. While they might not be able to give you full service at that price, they may be able to offer you other options such as a shorter performance time or fewer performers. Have the same small band play at both your ceremony and reception – paying for extra hours is often less expensive than hiring a second band, and two of the performers can provide lovely acoustic music during your vows. Remember that everything is negotiable, so don’t be afraid to discuss the points of the contract that are unnecessary for your event but affect the cost.

Figure out your budget priorities. You can really wow your guests with a short but spectacular performance by a magician or fire eater, and find the money by providing music from a playlist you created on your iPod rather than hiring an expensive band or DJ. If you absolutely cannot live without the most popular (and expensive) wedding band in town but your budget is already stretched tight, find the money in other parts of your budget by switching to less expensive, in-season flowers or serving chicken instead of prime rib.

Save money by combining wedding entertainment with favors. Hire a caricature artist to draw your guests, or provide a photo booth with funny props. Guests get to bring their new portraits home as a remembrance of your special day.

Have a bunch of friends who love to perform? Rent a karaoke machine and let your guests provide the music! Fill in music with an iPod playlist made especially for your celebration. Use the money you saved by not hiring a band or DJ on something like a spectacular fireworks display or a juggling team – something that will really wow your guests.

Always remember to check with your facility to make sure they have all the necessary requirements for your wedding entertainment, such as fire permits and audio equipment, before signing on the dotted line. Having to provide these yourself can quickly break your budget. In addition, make sure all your vendors have liability insurance. If they don’t and the worst happens, you will be on the hook for any costs incurred. Of course, all of these things should be included in your wedding entertainers contract, which should be signed before any money changed hands.

The Blackberry Storm was the first Smart Phone released by RIM, reputedly as a response to the release of the i-phone by Apple.

Although it has some great features it doesn’t quite fit the bill and isn’t quite as impressive as the later Blackberry Curve 8520 and probably not quite as useful for business mobile phone users it is never the less a pretty nice phone.

There is no argument that the Blackberry Storm is a sexy, good looking phone. It’s a similar size to the i-phone – just a little bit shorter, but slightly wider and thicker. The face of the phone has a nice 3.2-inch touch screen and beneath this are four buttons including: a send key, an end key, a BlackBerry menu key, and a back key – the buttons are made of hardened rubber and sit nicely with the screen and feel good in the hand, it is also a comfortable size and not too much to have in the pocket.

The screen has a good quality, perfectly snsitive touch screen that glows up in blue when you touch one of the buttons. When the screen is clicked it makes a light click sound which makes it feel like real typing on a computer keyboard.

The Blackberry Storm, like most Smartphones also has an accelerometer, which, when you rotate the phone round it changes the orientation of the phone. However we did find that some of the keys are a lttle close together so not great for heavy business mobile phone users.

Another issue that I had with the Blackberry Storm was that it has two menu systems – both icons and folders. It is a bit like websites that cannot decide where to have their navigation menus, on the left or at the top so just go for both.

Although this can sometimes be handy as it covers the needs of users who have a preference for each type of navigation it can get a little confusing, especially as some of the duplicated folders have slightly different names.

In terms of making calls, the Blackberry Storm was absolutely fine and with a clear sound. One problem was that the volume didn’t seem to be quite loud enough. As well as this the touchscreen was quite sensitive so when the phone is held close to the head when speaking it is all too easy to accidentally press buttons unintentionally; which is obviously a faux pas for business mobile users who have a lot of important client calls on the go.

Browsing was easy and good as you are able to zoom in and out of web pages using the buttons at the bottom but the phone does lack support for WiFi networks, so are heavily reliant on the £G network for good web access.

All Blackberry mobile phones have an excellent set up for both messaging with email and text. The Storm can use up to 10 seperate email accounts for individuals who need to use their mobile phone for both business and leisure.

One thing that this phone does have over the Apple i-phone is that it allows you to write email messages when holding the phone horizontally which allows you to view longer sentences; this was great when mailing people back in the office detailed instructions.

When you are typing on the phone held vertically the phone uses the Suretype format where 2 letters share a button which takes some getting used to and can cause problems with the use of the touch screen. Also, I am not sure if I just missed something really simple here but when putting in a phone number the field looked for alphabetical values and had to be manually switched to numbers for each digit typed.

The alternative is to add a contact for all of the numbers that you want to call and to then pull them up into the to field – not great if you just want to call a pizza to your hotel room when on a business trip.

At time of writing the applications into Microsoft Office documents only allow you to view and not create documents which often means that if you want to edit a document whilst you are at a meeting you have to make a note and then edit it later on.

You do get access to the Blackberry App world, which will is a downloadable shop that allows you to browse through and download software to your phone – some for free.

The 3.2-megapixel camera is fairly good quality, the pictures came out crisp and clear although they were not incredile at evening shots when we were in a dimly lit room. It comes with a flash and autofocus. It also captures video. This again, is one up on the i-phones camera. It is not bad as a music player and can store a good amount of music, the headphones are OK but volume is not loud enough if you are commuting through busy stations.

Overall the Blackberry Storm Smartphone is a relatively good phone and a fair achievement by Blackberry in their first stab at a real competitor to the i-phone. That said, having used the Blackberry Curve 8520 it just seemed inferior and there is no way that i would choose this over the 8520, especially not for use at work – it may be more appropriate for non business mobile phone users.

Technological advancement has boosted the growth of several peer-to-peer companies. As a result many new companies have entered the market and established a unique identity for themselves. Just as ‘every coin has two sides’, so does Technology. It can be used either for a constructive or destructive purpose. The same has happened in music industry.

Musical companies are now concerned as to how customers would use the available software. With the help of this software, few musical lovers are able to download music, videos and movies without obtaining prior permission of copyright holders. But this does not mean that peer-to-peer companies can be blamed. These companies are no way concerned as to how customers use their technology i.e. they should not be made liable if someone makes use of their network to breach copyright protected work.

However entertainment companies have a totally different view point. They feel that p2p companies are responsible for tampering copyright protected work. Hence they feel that unless these companies take some corrective measures, they need to be blamed for illegal music downloads that occur on their networks. These arguments further deteriorated the relationships between these two unless Supreme Court came up with an ultimatum on March 2005.

The decision was to this affect that P2P services shall be held responsible if people use their services to download music, movies and other copyright protected works at free of cost. This means that legal music download shall be encouraged and illegal means of downloading music shall be penalised. Henceforth P2P services need to change their business practises and opt fair methods. This decision would protect the interest of artists as every time there is a music download, these artists would get compensated for their work.

However from the entertainment industry point of view, this is going to be a tough challenge for them as this decision by Supreme Court shall aid in prospering legal P2P services. The decision given by Supreme Court protects the interests of musicians, composers, artists, engineers, producers and song writers and at the same time promotes more and more number of legal online music services.

How does this affect music lovers? Well nothing has changed much. Unauthorised music download or downloading copyright protected work for free is still an offence. But the only difference is that P2P services and entertainment industry, both are working in unison in the battle against piracy. Hence we would still encourage music lovers to download music from legalised websites like westsounds.com.

In order to inculcate downloading quality music, few websites are also offering free music video downloads. This is also one of the marketing strategies of the company for promoting its album. Whatever may be the reason, it is always beneficial to download music from legalised sites. The process of downloading is quite simple. All you need is to register yourself with their website and follow the guideline stated by them while downloading music. Besides being quick and easy process, it is risk free. So you tend to enjoy quality and reliable music.