I have temporarily conceded my claim to be the centre of global cool to a deserving cause. Today and tomorrow sees Cologne (for geographically challenged readers: yes, that's in Germany) host a festival and workshop of Creative Commons culture including music, art and various forms of media. The idea is to investigate and promote the possibility of a free sharing culture that will be beneficial to all, while not entirely ignoring the possibility of a crazygonuts weekend of drink, dance and debauchery.
There will be workshops, how-to's, panels and expert discussions; musicians and VJs will demonstrate in a quiet, subdued manner how CC sound and visuals might cause one's heartbeat to raise ever-so-slightly; and all involved will try to counter the media's demonisation of shared media as the province of scoundrels, charlatans, thieves and Country & Western fans pirates.
Anyone lucky enough to attend in person will not only hear some great music and see amazing videos but will also learn a lot about promoting CC culture on the internet. An exploration of the Cologne Commons website will reveal links to the hard-working funksters who are part of the Cologne Network. Their efforts should ensure this weekend will be a huge success - but I suspect they might be feeling a little fragile on Monday morning. Is there such a thing as CC aspirin?
Next up at CTW is, oh, I don't know, maybe some free music? The last few days have seen a spate of public service announcements and, fun as they've been, it's time to get back to my stock in trade, which is wibbling about free music that you can download and listen to at your leisure. It's the best way I know of supporting the great things that are happening in the CC world. Besides, I need to get my hips a-swingin'.
While you're looking at the Cologne Commons website, feel free to download their two compilation albums, cunningly entitled:
Cologne Commons Compilation 01 and, wait for it...
Cologne Commons Compilation 02.
You'll be more stylish in no time. Anyway, whisk yourself to Cologne via this magical interwebulator Tardis button thingy:
