AudioScrobbler.com

[Scrap]

Hey guys, check this out. It's a neat site. Basically, AudioScrobbler builds a profile of your musical taste using a plugin for your media player (Winamp, iTunes, XMMS etc..), kinda like an audio blog. Plugins send the name of every song you play to the server, which updates your musical profile with the new song. Every person with a plugin has their own page on this site which shows their listening statistics. The system automatically matches you to people with a similar music taste, and generates personalised recommendations. I signed up a few days ago, and it's pretty cool. My profile is here (http://www.audioscrobbler.com/user/fujicory/), though it's pretty empty at the moment. There's also a bunch of great prog communities to be found through the site.

[Zorbas]

That's a pretty good marketing data gathering scheme.

I don't think I want any plugins on my computers sending personal info to a website. I hate spyware, and that's basically what that is.

Thanks for the tip anyway.

[Scrap]

If you'll notice, the site doesn't require an e-mail address to register, nor does it request any locational information or 'real name' data... so that pretty much debunks your 'spyware' idea. The term 'spyware' also implies that the software is malicious and does something that it's not intended to do, without your knowledge and/or consent.

But thanks for playing!

[Zorbas]

If you're uploading information and registering some sort of profile I'm sure they'll be using it for something. Also, I'm sure they'll also be monitoring the IP address of the senders in order to match certain tastes with certain geographical locations in order to spot trends.

I personally don't like the idea and just said why (as others may agree). I realize you thought people would be turned by this (as I'm sure some will) and thanked you anyway for the contribution. That's all.

[Scrap]

From the site:

Music data collected is available for use under a Creative Commons license: Non-commercial, Share-alike, Attribution.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/


Not everyone is 'out to get you'...

[LithoJazzoSphere]

I've known about the site for ages, but have never signed up for it. I do a lot of listening from CD's and my Nomad, and I haven't had time to label all of my MP3's to make it useful. I also tend to listen to more weird stuff on MP3, so matching me up with someone with similar tastes wouldn't necessarily be accurate.

[Zorbas]

There's a difference between saying "someone's out to get me" and "nothing's free in this world".

Also, I just expressed an opinion. No need to get pissy.

Edit: I just re-read my first post and I realize that I came off as kind of pissy to begin with.

Public apologies to Scrap if I offended him since it was not my intention.

[Scrap]

It's not so much offense, but it came across more like, your opinion = the facts. I like dealing with facts. I once said the following to someone a long time ago and I find that it almost always rings true with every situation sort of confrontational situation I've dealt with.

"Well, that's a matter of opinion and I don't give a fuck about yours."

Thus ending the conversation, though somewhat abruptly, to the approval of both parties, because we both know the feeling is mutual. ;)

Apology accepted, btw.

[Rosie]

The problem is, the music I listen to the most isn't necessarily i Like best. I might end up listening to music more on mp3 player that I really like, and only have the lesser stuff left over.

It's a neat idea though, I'll wait and see how it goes. After reading about "Greenzap", the big new scammy "Paypal beater", I'm a little cautious.

[Zorbas]

Apology accepted, btw.

Good to know. I don't want to start any pointless flamewars here. I'll try and keep my comments in check and make sure that I look better into the issue before commenting on it.