Tribble threat

[13104P1]

One of the most vexing menaces that afflicted the crew of the U. S. S. Enterprise was the Tribble. A little furry creature that replicates itself very quickly and profusely in suitable environments. This is basically what's wrong with digital audio - it can be cloned - and way too easily. This means that someone's hard work at making a nice recording is something that can't be charged for in a traditional way that precludes the end user from pirating an unlimited number of extra copies for his friends or anonymous other users of digital media pathways. This is another big reason why recording artists should return to making only vinyl records. Someone wants to give the record to a friend as a present? No problem, but he must buy another copy if he wants to keep one for himself. Also, they eventually wear out and more revenue comes with the re-purchasing of titles many times over. There is no joy in owning a digital recording that can't wear out... Who knew? It's downgraded in our subconscious as the resilient garbage that it is.

A very similar movement is happening with the spy agencies of some countries. For example, Russia has reportedly begun buying electric typewriters to replace word processors used for secret documents.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23282308

This way, if someone wants to leak data to the masses, they must find the actual document, rather than hack into a mainframe and pilfer away while enjoying remote safety from detection and apprehension. It won't preclude stealing of secrets, but it must be done on location and in person, if typed on paper, only, and would put a hamper on the Tribble-like efficacy of digital data dissemination. Ok, scan the stolen hard-copy to binary code and you have something easily digi-Leakable. But it's a way to inhibit counter-spy hacking, anyway. Maybe they should cut State secrets direct-to-disc? (: The record would self-destruct once listened to enough. And the agents could use a very heavy tracking force!

- 1310AP1

[THD]

Another good thing with vinyl is that people have to stretch their legs about every 20 min ( +/- ). I believe its a good thing to move the body a little bit now and then, even if its just a few meters/feet to turn the record over, instead of only sit all day long and change the music with the computer, maybe the weight problems in the western world started with the CD, when you could sit for about 70 minutes before getting up to change the record, ha ha..... not to mention the reel to reel tapes and the cassettes..

PS I hope I don't offend anybody with this..........