peeriebryan

The Shetland Box Office website has been officially launched today - http://www.shetlandboxoffice.org

What a great bit of kit! I've seen them afore, and from what I understand they're virtual modular synthesizers and each of the blocks placed on the screen represents a synth module (oscillators, filters, arpeggiators etc). Instead of connecting the modules together with patch cables like in the picture below, connections are made by placing blocks near each other on the 'table' and moving the block to alter the module parameters. I want one http://online-mixing.com/wp271/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/modular.JPG [edit] for the geeks among you, here's how it works - http://www.reactable.com/products/reactable_experience/reactable/ I noticed there's an iPhone/iPad app too, which might be enough to persuade me to get an iPhone!

Personally, I'm not a fan of ad blocking software as many, if not most websites are kept afloat through the revenue generated through advertising. Please be aware that the adverts shown here are the only way Shetlink generates regular revenue - this website doesn't receive grants, external funding or suchlike and you're not charged for using any of the services provided. However, hosting space, bandwidth, software licenses and upgrades etc etc all cost real money! And bear in mind that the moderators are volunteers If you value Shetlink, want the services to remain free and wish the website to be regularly maintained, upgraded and improved, you should consider the impact of using ad blockers Having a few ads are, in my opinion, a small but worthwhile sacrifice unless folk want to contribute directly to Shetlink's running costs. But if you want to block the ads, that's up to you - everybody wants something for nothing! Or you could make a donation through Paypal using the button on the left (and a sincere thank you to those of you that do) Also, some folk who advocate the use of ad blockers have posted ads in Shetlink's free classifieds section - making a bit of cash or procuring a service through Shetlink whilst advocating the deprivation of revenue which keeps the service going may be construed as being a little on the cheeky, and self defeating side We toyed with the idea of offering a nominal annual subscription that would mean subscribers wouldn't be shown ads - if anyones interested we can look into it again Regarding the privacy policy - it's part of the Shetlink "Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy" which includes a section on cookies: If you're seeing adverts on Shetlink that reflect content you have viewed on other websites, that is (more than likely) because the websites have placed a "cookie" on your computer which has recorded which pages/products you viewed during your visit. Adverts you then see on other websites which reflect what you have viewed will have read the info from the cookie stored on your computer Cookies are the way in which Amazon, for example, provide the "Recently Viewed Items" information, or how many shopping carts function, or how websites such as Shetlink knows if you're logged in and which posts you haven't read As has been mentioned previously, most browsers offer the option to block or approve which websites can place cookies on your computer I hope that clears a few things up

The road south of Lerwick until Quarff is quite treacherous with deep fans. A few folk were having sideways moments. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in a 4x4

I hope that's a joke! If not, it's a cracking moan Isn't Shetland part of Scotland? And if it's a "cardinal sin" to refer to "the Scottish Mainland", how is the CE meant to describe the big blob of land south of Orkney, east of Skye and north of England? Perhaps the SIC's new communications advisor knows a less controversial way to define the disputably named landmass?

I completely agree, and that is the very point of Shetlink. The original ethos was to encourage and facilitate debate on local issues when few other channels were available However, I don't believe copying the Chief Exec's blog posts to Shetlink in their entirety and diverting discourse from a medium where the public have a 'direct line' to the CE is in the spirit of Shetlink As said previously, no-one is being prevented from expressing their opinion here, but a thread started apparently to undermine the CE's attempts to engage with the community and garner feedback is at best unproductive By all means discuss issues raised in the CE's blog on Shetlink but, for the above reasons, I'm not comfortable with a thread which regularly copies the CE's blog to Shetlink rather than use the in-situ comments facility provided by the blog I understand that many people are in positions where putting their name to an opinion is problematic, but I believe it is a very positive move for the CE to start a blog and invite comments, I support him completely for doing so and I encourage people to make the most of the opportunity to engage with him via his blog But I'm only one member of the Shetlink/Shetland community and I'm happy to debate the issue

Moderation. If someone starts a new thread to discuss a topic that is already under discussion elsewhere, the thread is locked and a redirect is posted. No-one is preventing you from expressing your opinion If you can explain why you need two threads to discuss the same topic, we'll happily consider unlocking it

This thread is locked as there's already one discussing the same topic here - http://www.shetlink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10869

With my moderators hat on - Earl Patrick, it seems that you've ticked the "Disable BBCode in this post", hence the quotes not being formatted in your posts With my moderators hat off.... I see no problem with Tom encouraging people to comment on the Chief Executive's blog and his radio show. Where's the conflict of interest in that? I can understand your concerns about a potential conflict of interests with a journalist and broadcaster being a communications advisor to a local authority, but I have yet to see any evidence of impropriety Personally, I think it's very positive that Tom is using a public forum to engage in debate, is open about both his roles and is restrained in his responses to unfounded insinuations I am. And so too it would seem are the many others who view and comment on the blog. I think it's a very positive move by the Chief Executive

^ Well done to all involved!

I'd say Tom's appointment is very wise, for exactly the points you note i.e. an understanding of local government, the media and the ability to critique both

Shetland Arts are looking for your thoughts and opinions to help inform development plans for the next three years There's info on the survey and a link to the online questionnaire here - http://www.shetlandarts.org/survey - paper versions are available in various shops, cafes etc too

That is indeed the situation. Several years ago the CT agreed to underwrite a deficit of up to £100,000 for the first year of operation. Last week's Charitable Trust meeting clarified how and when the funds would be released - it wasn't a request for more money

Incorrect on two counts. The vote was on whether the SIC should continue their longstanding financial support for Mareel and as such the chairman voted for the status quo. And it wasn't a planning application. Planning permission was granted in April 2008 - http://www.hi-arts.co.uk/july08-feature-mareel-lerwick.htm In May 2008 the council voted to review it's financial commitment to Mareel and commissioned a business plan review. Six weeks later, in June 2008, the council voted to reaffirm it's support (i.e. the status quo) on Sandy Cluness' casting vote, which is what the story you posted the link to refers.

as all these venues were funded privately it is not for me to comment on, and yes local halls have had to go looking for more subsidy due to a lack of nights that make them money. get on the CT website and look at the funding the halls have recieved, they have been doing better recently due to the fact that North Star, LK Sound Factory, Moonie's Wake and Somewhere Else are no longer on the go but your idea is that mareel will provide a place for all the people of Shetland to go and spend their money so if this is the case then the halls will have even less customers than they do now, its not rocket science brian just common sense Do you have any experience of serving on hall committees, promoting bands, or playing in bands to inform your opinion? Or perhaps you have figures that show a correlation between the Lerwick venues mentioned opening/closing, the relative frequency of music events in Lerwick vs country halls and subsidy the halls "had to go looking for"? Or do you leave the basis of your assertions to your "common sense"? In my experience the performances by visiting artists in country halls are often subsidised by a town gig. This year I've been involved with about 10 concerts by visiting artists in country halls which were made financially viable by a concert in Lerwick the same weekend. Having more events in Lerwick increases the availability of groups to play in the country during their visit. It's pretty straightforward in that respect. Also, there are many regular community music events which are very unlikely to move to the town. Another factor is the recent licensing legislation that has made it even more challenging for the volunteer committees to put on licensed events such as gigs. On top of that, country halls raise money in a variety of ways, not just music events - weddings, Sunday teas, private functions, fish n chip nights and so on. There are many factors involved and to simplify the country hall situation, forecast doom and try to lay the blame squarely at Mareel's door would potentially show either a lack of understanding or an attempt to baselessly slag off Mareel. I agree with Beachcaster on this (and he should know) ah so the people you know will only discuss something with people that agree with them very enlightened Im sure but when the thing you want is generly supported on Shetlink then you do use it as a guage of public opinion, being selective in your choice of when and when not to use Shetlink as a guide does you no favours brian. Yet another example of you deliberately misrepresenting what people post. The fact is several people (supporters and non-supporters) don't wish to debate Mareel and other subjects on Shetlink because of the recent ill feeling and flaming, more often than not instigated by you. This has been indicated to me by email and personal conversations. Posters in this, and other, threads have said as much too and requested that you lay off the personal attacks and abusive language. To say "the people you know will only discuss something with people that agree with them" is way off the mark. However, I think it's fair to say that many people I know have no interest debating any subject with someone who doesn't observe basic manners or netiquette whilst hiding behind a pseudonym. The problem is not your opinions, it's your antagonistic and combative tactics. Tone it down and you might just find people are willing to listen to your points. Also, I'd say opinion on Mareel is fairly split on Shetlink, and never have I "selectively" misused Shetlink. But I'm quite happy to debate Mareel with anyone who wishes. It's rare I go for a pint, take a walk down the street or have a cup of tea with my granny without the subject coming up in conversation! All I ask for is some common courtesy in return. A friendly wink. How chummy! I certainly don't consider it my business which charities you or anyone give their money to. Part of my job is to raise funds from funding bodies, which I do. Incorrect on two counts. The vote was on whether the SIC should continue their longstanding financial support for Mareel and as such the chairman voted for the status quo. And it wasn't a planning application.

Supporters have not been asked for direct personal financial contributions to Mareel (although donations are gratefully accepted ) as all that anyone has to do to support Mareel is make use of it when it opens (detractors included!) And I'm not aware of the idea being voiced recently other than some suggestions at the recent Charitable Trust meeting, and a couple of anonymous posts here on Shetlink (and forgive me if I don't pay much attention to anonymous personal attacks from a tedious axe grinding troll) For the record, I contribute considerable amounts of my own time to Mareel and I'll be donating instruments and equipment when it opens (and I know others who are planning to do the same). Beyond that, I won't be discussing my financial circumstances or what charities I donate money to Essentially, the financial situation hasn't changed recently other than a clarification of when the Charitable Trust will make the funds available I wouldn't say that was the case - there's a lot of people putting in a lot of work behind the scenes. And I wouldn't use Shetlink as a judge of support as many people I know have been put off discussing Mareel here due to the recent tone of this thread caused by the abusive and personal postings of a certain user What evidence do you have of that? Did the local halls require increased subsidy or die out when the North Star, LK Sound Factory, Norscot Angling Club, Moonie's Wake and Somewhere Else were all putting on regular music events in town?

Ironically, the Shetland population is predicated to fall by around 3000 in the next 25 years - "Shetland faces population crisis" - http://www.shetland-news.co.uk/2010/February/news/Shetland%20faces%20population%20crisis.htm

Congrats lastpubrunner! Some events in July/August 2011... 2 - 10 July - Shetland Nature Festival - http://visit.shetland.org/nature-festival 9 - 10 July - Vunk Fest - http://www.myspace.com/vunkventures - Rock and art festival 21 - 24 July - Tall Ships - http://www.tallshipsraceslerwick.com/ - as was mentioned, it'll be quite hectic in Shetland around that time, with accommodation and travel being booked up many months in advance 7 – 14 August - Fiddle Frenzy - http://www.shetlandarts.org/events/fiddle-frenzy = Fiddle Frenzy incorporates 'cultural trips' around Shetland, as well as concerts and dances throughout the week Mid August? - Big Bannock - http://shetlopedia.com/Da_Big_Bannock = not sure of next year's dates, but it's usually mid August and a great spree! It might be worth contacting Promote Shetland - I'm sure they'll be able to help - http://visit.shetland.org/

A friend of mine used to, but tells me he doesn't anymore. I'll ask around and see who turns up....

From http://www.racetoinfinity.bt.com/ Here's the FAQs - http://btsupport.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/btsupport.cfg/php/enduser/cci/bt_blank_article.php?p_faqid=14614 - A bit of marketing spin and a customer survey dressed up, but it might just work.... Apparently Lerwick is the only Shetland exchange that has enough customers to be eligible, but BT are saying "If 75% of your exchange registers, BT will engage with your community to see what we can do in your area" whatever that may mean Anyway, it's worth a quick vote - http://www.racetoinfinity.bt.com/

A quick reminder that the Guitar Festival starts tomorrow... http://www.shetlandarts.org/peerie-willie-guitar-season-2010/

Indeed Spinner72 ^ Despite the regular assumptions that Mareel is/was a Shetland Arts project, it began in earnest in 1996 with the first 'steering group' of stakeholders, and there were many years of local consultations, studies and public meetings before it was entered onto the SIC capital programme in 2003. Shetland Arts Trust was replaced by Shetland Arts Development Agency in 2006 and given the remit to lead on the project. Since then, the project has secured around £6,000,000 of external investment to match the local funding.

You seem to be trying to draw a defining line between what you believe is "Shetland's indigenous culture" and that of "English and Scottish culture", or culture(s) from further afield - such pigeon holing carries the risk of strangling and stagnating the very thing you wish to protect, and 'ring fencing' our culture without letting it evolve as it has until now, through cross pollination with other cultures. Let's not forget how the traditions we are proud of developed over the years. Take for example Fair Isle knitting. The same, or similar, techniques are found in Baltic countries such as Estonia, Sweden and the coastal communities of Denmark, as well as Faroe, Iceland and Norway. Or our unique fiddle music. It shares many stylistic and harmonic traits, has been influenced by, and has influenced, Scandinavian, Scottish and Irish styles amongst others. More recently, the jazz influenced accompaniment style has been attributed to Peerie Willie and and his love of American jazz. So, should we draw a line under what is now 'tradition' and leave it there, or should it evolve as it always has - through absorbing and synthesizing other cultures, and embracing cross fertilisation; and through encouraging others to come here to experience our culture whilst promoting our culture to the outside world? There's nothing in SA's trust deed that says it's a heritage organisation, but here's two quick examples of support for, what could be considered, indigenous artforms. Fiddle Frenzy (or more accurately, the local tutors employed at FF) teaches Shetland's unique fiddle style to visitors from throughout the world, and presents many of the best Shetland fiddlers to local and visiting audiences each year. The event creates considerable net profit to the islands from the number of visitors it attracts. Or back to textiles and crafts. Shetland arts has awarded £37,000 over the last three years to Shetland based craft makers through the "Working Up" scheme, together with supporting them through regular workshops in subjects including knitting, basket making and woodworking.

Mr Yockey, since you have chosen to post your message on both the Shetland Times and Shetlink websites, I think it appropriate to respond likewise, and in addition to the email I sent to you on earlier today. I apologise for the repetition to anyone who reads my response elsewhere. To put this response into context, I receive over a hundred unsolicited promotional emails, phone calls and items in the post each week from agents, bands and musicians looking for work. Regrettably, it isn’t possible to listen to every piece of music, respond to each sender and/or provide them with work. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day, although I endeavour to reply to as many people as I can. The first record I have of correspondence with you is an email you sent in July seeking teaching work. I responded on 27th July, offering advice and recommending individuals and organisations for you to contact. I also requested some examples of your playing so we could consider you for inclusion at the Guitar Festival. You responded the same day stating you would copy some tracks from a CD that you would “get to” me. The CD you sent did not arrive until over five weeks later, on Friday 3rd September. I picked it up from my pigeon hole the following Monday, and four days later, before I had a chance to listen properly to your CD, you posted your Internet message claiming you were being ignored. Unfortunately, the programme for the mid September dates of the festival had been finalised some time before your CD arrived. However, I thank you for your submission and you will be considered for further events later in the year. You state that you thought that having jammed and chatted with a renowned local guitarist would be “enough” for inclusion at the Guitar Festival. In a community with a large number of exceptionally talented guitarists, some evidence of your playing is a requirement. The rest of your message contains a number of inaccuracies and assumptions, which I am happy to clarify. You state that you find it “disturbing” that I, a “young inexperienced non-musician” decide on the Guitar Festival line-up. I’m 34, a musician and my levels of experience are such that my employers feel I am qualified for this job. The Guitar Festival is a Shetland Arts’ event for which I am lead officer, and I consult with a programming group on the line up. Many of the visiting artists come on the recommendation of members of the public, and examples of the recommended artists' playing are required too. You then go on to criticise my interest in "computer music". Firstly, my interests and how I spend my evenings are my own business. However, it’s a subject I’m happy to talk about and it is relevant to my profession. You state that “Pro Tools is the new computer way to record music” – it is in fact the industry standard audio production platform used in recording studios of all types and sizes throughout the world, the first incarnation of which was released in 1984. To give this perspective, the first commercial music CDs were produced two years earlier. You refer to Pro Tools engineers as “hacks”. The Pro Tools training you refer to is being primarily delivered by two highly skilled local individuals (I'm administering the course) who have completed four separate intensive courses and the requisite exams in order to achieve the industry recognised ‘Pro Tools Operator’ status, which qualifies them to deliver the certified courses in question. They’re certainly not “hacks”! The answer to your question “Which is it Pro Tools computer music or Shetland Arts Music Officer?”, is firmly ‘both’, and I’m at a loss as to why you see the two as mutually exclusive. I believe that music technology is an important aspect of music development in Shetland, hence my personal and professional interest. You then go on to say that you have been ignored by “this lot” (presumably Shetland Arts?) “on a Blues Festival”. The Shetland Blues Festival is organised by an independent committee, not Shetland Arts, so I suggest you get in contact with them. You finish your post with a recommendation for an article. Thanks for that, it was very interesting and I echo your recommendation. The article can be found here - http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1686532,00.html Edited for spelling