Is Downloading MP3 From File Sharing Programs Legal?

 

Is Downloading MP3 From File Sharing Programs Legal?

Word Count:
419

Summary:
File sharing programs such as KaZaa, Ares, iMesh and Limewire have never been more popular. They are pretty controversial as well. You may have heard of the countless lawsuits against them by music records companies and the MPAA. So is downloading MP3 from these programs legal?

Keywords:
mp3, Free Mp3, free mp3 song, free mp3 download, mp3 download, mp3 converters, music

Article Body:
File sharing programs such as KaZaa, Ares, iMesh and Limewire have never been more popular. They are pretty controversial as well. You may have heard of the countless lawsuits against them by music records companies and the MPAA. So is downloading MP3 from these programs legal?

How Do File Sharing Programs Work?

Modern file sharing programs connects users directly to each other allowing them to share and download files. They are also called P2P, or peer to peer programs. Unlike old file sharing programs such as Napster who ran all connections through their servers. That is also why it is sometimes difficult to determine exactly who is downloading what.

File sharing programs by themselves are not illegal. In fact, they are legitimate uses for it. For example, it is used by academy institutions and universities to exchange research data and cross learning. They are also used by musicians and artists to showcase their talents by distributing their music free through file-sharing networks.

Many people are confused as to what is legal to download and what is not. The problem stems from the fact that it is so easy to download illegal MP3 and other illegal files from these file sharing networks that people often do not know they are actually violating copyright laws.

They do not have sufficient knowledge of copyright laws. Current copyright laws allow an individual to rip MP3 provided he or she has brought a copy of the CD. However, he or she cannot give, sell or upload MP3 to others. Beware due to MP3 piracy, record companies have recently developed technologies that do not allow you to rip mp3 from CD. Add to that, they are dozens of websites on the internet proclaiming to be able to download mp3 and movies legally when they are not!

How to determine whether you can download MP3 legally?

Technically, any MP3 posted on file-sharing programs without the permission of the artist is illegal. Most commercial MP3 on file sharing networks are illegal, so my advice would be to avoid them altogether.

There are a few reputable MP3 download sites on the internet you can trust. The most famous of all is itunes from Apple. Napster has a subscription service per month that allows you to download more than two million mp3 legally. Technically, you do not own the mp3 so do not give, sell or upload to file sharing networks. For more information on where you can find more free legal mp3, you can visit my blog.

 

What it Takes to Succeed in Business!

 

What it Takes to Succeed in Business!

Word Count:
411

Summary:
Business if tough in today's world! Most small businesses go bankrupt or are closed abruptly in the first five years. Over the course of the next five years many of the remainders also "pack up" shop and lock their doors. Why do so many businesses fail?

Keywords:
business, success, strategy, consulting

Article Body:
Business if tough in today's world! Most small businesses go bankrupt or are closed abruptly in the first five years. Over the course of the next five years many of the remainders also "pack up" shop and lock their doors. Why do so many businesses fail?

The reasons lie in three main spheres. Those spheres of influence can be labeled personal, customer, and operations.

The Personal Sphere deals with the owner's personal motivation to start a business. For example, if an owner wants to start their own business, but isn't willing to make the sacrifices necessary to make it thrive, then they are at a disadvantage when compared to other motivated businesspeople. When a business starts for the first time often it doesn't have a lot of money. Owners are required to sacrifice time, money, and happiness to succeed. If you can't do that, it is unlikely that such a business will flourish. Many times owners thought they could handle the hardship but once the novelty of "being your own boss" wears off they close the door.

The Customer Sphere is one of the most important components of your business. Without customers you do not have sales, without sales you do not have money and without money you do not have a business. Many factors go into generating a good customer base. In the beginning you must have a cost effective marketing strategy that targets your intended buyers. This can be done by developing a psychological profile of your customer and then advertising in those places that they frequent. Because it is more expensive to get a new customer than it is to keep one you must make sure they are satisfied with your business and product. Keep in touch with them by sending them a follow-up letter with a survey.

The Operations Sphere is only second to the Customer Sphere. In operations you must have an appropriate method of reducing costs, keeping track of paperwork, and maintaining improvement. Operations can also take into effect the tax paperwork, accounting, scheduling of workers, benefits or any non-producing functions.

If all of these three components are well thought out and are appropriately designed you will increases your chances of survival. Failure to understand the integral details of your business and what it takes to succeed may mean failure in the long run. If you are having difficulty putting all the pieces together then consider a small business consultant.

 

Tips to Avoid Fraud While Helping Hurricane Victims

 

Tips to Avoid Fraud While Helping Hurricane Victims

Word Count:
331

Summary:
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, many are wondering how they can help. At the same time, criminals are using this outpouring of support to take advantage of well-meaning citizens through deception and fraud.

Keywords:
Tips to Avoid Fraud While Helping Hurricane Victims

Article Body:
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, many are wondering how they can help. At the same time, criminals are using this outpouring of support to take advantage of well-meaning citizens through deception and fraud.

People who wish to contribute to the relief effort are urged to beware of charity scams, which are especially prevalent online. Consumer advocates offer the following advice:

* Make sure the organization is legitimate. Some illicit organizations will try to confuse you by using a name that is similar to a well-known charity. Do your research to find a reputable charity. For a list of charity reports, visit the BBB Wise Giving Alliance Web site,

* Never respond to or click on a link within an e-mail asking for money and claiming to be from a charity. If you wish to make a donation online, stick with familiar, established charities and donate through their Web sites directly.

* Be skeptical of telephone solicitations. Never give out your personal or credit card information. Ask for a charity's exact name and address. After researching the organization, call back using its published number if you would like to get more information by phone.

* Give a check or money order made out to the organization, not an individual.

What are the best ways to help? The following is a partial list of organizations:

FINANCIAL HELP

American Red Cross

Provides emergency shelter, food, water and other critical assistance.

(800) HELP-NOW

America's Second Harvest

Donations help transport food to victims and secure additional warehouse space to assist member food banks in resuming and maintaining operations.

(800) 344-8070

VOLUNTEER GROUPS

Habitat for Humanity

Helps repair and rebuild homes damaged by the hurricane.

(229) 924-6935

Salvation Army

Provides food, drinking water, cleaning supplies and other necessities.

(800) SAL-ARMY

Convoy of Hope

Provides supplies and other disaster relief, sponsoring outreaches to the poor and suffering.

(417) 823-899

ANIMAL RESCUE

Humane Society of the United States

(888) 259-5431   

 

Aquarium Tank Basics

 

Aquarium Tank Basics

Word Count:
637

Summary:
Any new aquarium tank should first be given a thorough test to ensure that it is watertight. If after 12 hours there are no leaks, it may be emptied and placed in its final position.

Now all is ready to set up the aquarium, for this work we shall require various items such as sand, rocks etc. These will be death with in order. For making a bottom soil, you need, first of all some sand, the most suitable is called 1/16th grade and it is about the size of the average pin-he...

Keywords:
aquarium,aquarium tanks,fish tanks

Article Body:
Any new aquarium tank should first be given a thorough test to ensure that it is watertight. If after 12 hours there are no leaks, it may be emptied and placed in its final position.

Now all is ready to set up the aquarium, for this work we shall require various items such as sand, rocks etc. These will be death with in order. For making a bottom soil, you need, first of all some sand, the most suitable is called 1/16th grade and it is about the size of the average pin-head:

The gravel to be used must also be graded; that is, the gram must be of uniform size. Sand and gravel's sold in aquarium supply stores are always graded, but if you buy elsewhere they may nor be. Gravel grains 2-5mm work best.

If you use nothing, but sand, it must be well washed-in buckets, under running water until no more dirt or foam comes to the surface - and spared out on the bottom of the tank in a layer running from 3- 6cm thick sloping upwards from front to back. If you decide to mix the sand with gravel to make at least a layer 6cm deep on top of the subgravel filter since less than this amount reduces the filtering capacity of the tank.

Your tank is the basic element, and is of the most important in building an aquarium. The size of the tank depends on the number and size of fish you plan to have in it. That is why proper planning is quite essential when you want to set up aquarium.

But then it is important to make it as big as you can afford. By all means avoid a globe tank as much as possible. Rectangle shape is always good because of various reasons you will discover later.

Option 1: You can buy ready made glass tanks already sealed professionally set up aquarium tank at any aquarium store.

Option 2: Buy ready-made plastic models through distributors or mould-extrusion manufacturers and put your aquarium tank together yourself. Below are the tools you need and the steps you need to take to set up completely new aquarium tank:

Tools:

- Sheet of glass (4mm to 12mm)
- Silicone sealant (clear and transparent)
- Silicone gun or (syringe)
- Dulling stove
- Tape rule
- Sheet of paper, ruler, pencil and eraser
- napkin (x2)
- newspaper
- hand glove (rubber type)
- methylated spirit
- blade
- knife
- toilet soap and soap case
- masking tape
- flat bench (made with plywood)
- 1/4 flash
- water and siphon hose
- buckets (x2)
- polythese sheet about the size of the table

Other than that, I'll give you my 12 essential aquarium tips below is a great start on your way to having a beautiful aquarium full of happy and health fish that you can be proud of:

1. Location of the tank in a spot which is draft free and has a moderate amount of light for 8 to 10 hours. This will ensure the safety of the tank and the inhabitants.

2. Location of the aquarium tank where water spillage a day will do no damage, at a height convenient for working, and in a place where it will not have to be moved.

3. Proper sand gravel (not too large, not too fine).

4. Conditioned water - free of chlorine, dirt, excess hardness, excess acidity, or excess alkalinity. Hard, acidic, dirty water is not suitable for an aquarium. It will make life uncomfortable for fish and leads to constant fish death.

5. Availability of plants properly place is highly essential.

6. Proper, even temperature for the fish species.

7. Decoration and furnishing if you desire them.

8. Aeration to supply additional oxygen.

9. Filtration to remove excesses waste products.

10. Fish which will live peacefully together.

11. Food to keep them health.

12. Kits and utensils to make maintenance easy.

 

PageRank Paranoia

 

PageRank Paranoia

Word Count:
371

Summary:
The most recent paranoia involving websites is the thing called PageRank. Most webmasters and site owners are going crazy over it

Keywords:
Web Design, Web Development Services, E-commerce web development services, Web site development services, E-commerce website development services

Article Body:
PageRank determines how well your site is. PageRank values may vary depending on your site's performance. In order to see your site's PageRank values, download the same from Google. Marketing analysts and administrators want to be updated with the PageRank so as to determine where to exert more effort in marketing the sites.

What is involved in the PageRankmania? Usually, the Google toolbar fetches the PageRank values from the data center with the use of its IP address. Values come in simple text files to the toolbar. When the Google Dance begins it displays the old PageRank values.

Administrators and marketers are having a hard time finding strategies to keep the PageRank high so as to give them greater opportunity than those sites found under them. How do they keep up with the tough competition?

Administrators and marketers alike are discovering lots of techniques to increase their site's PageRank. Some of these techniques include submission of articles to various submissions sites, subscribing to forums, blogs, blog commenting, directory submissions, reciprocal linking, three-way linking, and offering discounts. These techniques are already proven. Aside from these techniques, administrators and marketers are still discovering more.

Google search engine as well as the rest of the search engines is actively finding the keywords in a site. Keywords have to be placed in the right position and with the right density in order for search engines to locate it instantly.

What though is the essence of this mania?
If there are hundreds of sites with the same keywords and your site landed on the first page of the search engine, imagine the advantage, imagine the opportunity. Now, imagine no more for it can be your reality.

Let's face it, viewers and searchers are lazy enough to browse over all the sites in that resulted from their queries. Obviously, they will select the ones on the first page especially those situated on a higher ranking.

If you are one of those situated in higher rank chances are you will get most of the viewers. This will be greatly advantageous on your site. Greater viewers mean greater chance of marketing your goods or services.

Work the PageRankmania to your advantage. It surely pays off.

 

How to Become a Successful Freelancer Designer on the Contest Forums!

How to Become a Successful Freelancer Designer on the Contest Forums!

Word Count:
374

Summary:
Do you want to know the best method to become successful as a Freelance Web, Logo & Template Designer? This article will help you save hours hunting around for the best forums and techniques to succeed!

Keywords:
freelance, designer, photoshop, logo, free, contest, template, graphics, make money, forums, adobe, illustrator, business

Article Body:
Do you want to know the best method to become successful as a Freelance Web, Logo & Template Designer? This article will help you save hours hunting around for the best forums and techniques to succeed!

There is no better way of improving your skills, getting recognised and building up ideas than to compete in the Graphic Design Forums. With so many different contest forums on the web it is difficult to pick out the ones that are best suited to for you. There are literally hundreds of web sites offering freelance services and forums.

A good way to help you decide is to think about what kind of results you wish to get out of joining. Some people join to compete against other designers in the hopes of winning competitions and receiving financial rewards. Others join up to learn from their professional competitors and slowly build up their skills and reputation. The problem with competing for money is that unless you are a well established and talented designer with loads of previous experience you are unlikely to win many if any competitions. How do I know this? Well, I tried to do that exact thing for over a year and it rarely paid off for me.

It is important to understand that top professional designers with years of experience will be regularly showing of their creative skills by submitting their superior designs. They have a system in place for quickly and professionally come up with brilliant designs to meet the clients specifications. However, don't let this put you off as competing against the professionals will help you to improve your own works.

When looking at current submission think of how you could improve upon that design. I am not saying rip off their designs, as this will lead to your account being banned from the forums. Simply acknowledge their work and come up with something equally as original based on the guidelines set by the client and submissions already present.

 

Forum Essentials: Dress Up Your Site For The Holidays

Forum Essentials: Dress Up Your Site For The Holidays

Word Count:
289

Summary:
The holiday season is fast approaching, don't lose your forum particpants; liven up your site and keep them coming back all throughout the year.

Keywords:
forums, message board, web sites, online communities, PHP, vBulletin, EZBoard, Christmas, Easter

Article Body:
If you manage a message board community, a key to your site's success is the lively banter between members. Without conversation, your site will quickly die off. You can't police your forum and respond to every post, but there are a few things you can do as an administrator to get things moving again.

Hold a contest. Yes, who doesn't like to win something, anything? You don't have to spend a lot of money and the prize can be as simple as a magazine subscription, free membership for one year to your site, or an electronic gift card for the lucky winner. Want to go big time? Find a merchant to sponsor a gift; in exchange for their donation give them free advertising on your site for an agreed period of time.

Update your icons. The same old, nondescript icons will certainly bring about the yawns. Spice things up by swapping out one set of icons for another. Holiday themed icons are a favorite.

Change your background or theme. Holiday themed backgrounds that promote a warm glow in the hearts of your members will retain your visitors like nothing else. Put away the stale, antiseptic backgrounds and put some holiday pizzazz into your forums.

Cyber Grab Bag. No, I haven't tried this one...yet! However, I do know of sites where members play "Secret Santa" with other members. This can be in the form of a surprise email, an electronic gift, or a donation to the recipient's favorite charity.

There are many other ways to get your site moving again. Use this festive time of the year to come up with a plan that is certain to spark interest in your site. If in doubt as to what to do next, ask your members...they'll know!