I'll try to keep this business talk short. It started happening little by little: Mediafire was taking down some of my download links for violating their over-arching and somewhat puritanical terms of service. Bands like TWAT SAUCE, FUCK YEA AVOCADO and SHITHEAD JONES were just too far of a step over the line for them. That's fine. I can deal with that. They were placing "strikes" against my account for these offenses. Then, one day, they took down a number of files all at once (including a live HICKEY set, a practice tape of ME, YOU AND THE BOYS and DR DRE DEL [a musician I actually got permission from]) because they also violated Mediafire's vague terms (seriously, after taking the time to read them, the company can do whatever they want to any of your files at any time with no explanation.). After removing all of these files, they locked my account, thereby turning the majority of this site into less of an interactive fun thing and more into the nostalgic ramblings of a hopeful lunatic. (but you can still download TOMMY LASORDA, the live HICKEY recording and some other stuff)
I contacted customer service, which I already knew would be an exercise in tedious futility. I was gonna print the entire ridiculous email exchange, but there's no point. Basically, they told me that I need to "demonstrate" that I have permission from all of the musicians that have been shared through my account. A cursory glance at my account tells me that I would need explicit permission from at least 900 people to cover all of my bases. 25 of the bands are bands that I played in. A lot of those people are dead. I tried to explain to them the basic tenets of punk, the lack of copyrights, the idea of community as if I was explaining it to my grandfather who died in 1983, but it just made things way more frustrating.
Basically, I'm not getting that account unlocked. If any of your music has been on this site and you want to tell them that "hey, it's cool", be my guest. You might get an entertaining email back from them, but don't expect anything productive to happen. DON'T LINK THEM TO THIS BLOG. You can tell them that you're writing on behalf of the account associated with the email address rick_harvester@yahoo.com (don't write me there. I will never, ever respond to it.). Their email address is esupport@mediafire.com.
I'm taking the next week off to figure some shit out, gather some tapes and decide if this is all worth it. If you want anything re-uploaded, comment here and tell me what it is. I'll do my best. You can also mail me a tape plus $5 cash and I will tape anything in my collection for you (p.o.b. 40786, SF, CA 94140. US only please). Also, if you know where I live, feel free to stop by and tape anything you want.
Stay Punk.
Punk is dead (links).
ReplyDeleteDude, I love that you do this blog. I will send mediafire an email just to have it done, don't know if it will do anything. And for the record, (ahem), You can put anything ever from me, This Is My Fist, or Ambition Mission up on this site anytime you want. That any band of mine has been on here is an honor, and a pleasure. Thanks for doing this, and let me know if I can do anything else to help. Love you, friend! XOXOX
ReplyDeleteThis is worth it. There's not a blog (that I'm aware of besides Region Rock) that isn't totally hardcore saturated and yours is a breath of fresh air. The stories behind the posts, the bands that might not otherwise get the mention they deserve and the fact that everything here is just plain awesome are a pinch of reasons you should stick around. Mediafire is a skittish entity after what happen to Megaupload. Zippyshare has been working and the site Robert uses has as well. I love hardcore, but there should be more options for punks who are into other styles (to sample, (re)discover or whatever). Sorry for the long rant, but I really don't want you to shut down. I also wanted to say Music Not Noize too is adding some great alternatives to the blogosphere. No retreat, no surrender!! Thanks for the time you've put into Remote Outposts, Greg. I truly do hope you'll keep it going.
ReplyDeleteEmailed them. I pointed them to your blog and called you by your full true name... JK. But I did write them and spoke on your behalf as a record label doer, for whatever that's worth. This blog is an important blog, a kick ass blog, and I hope that if mediafire won't work with you you can find a replacement so you can keep blogging. Down with puritanical internet monopolies! Long live Remote Outposts! Rock!
ReplyDeleteFUCK MEDIAFIRE!!!! they will never "unlock" your account,does'nt matter if the whole world writes in! They deleted my whole blog,which is for the most part ,my hundreds of projects ,that I've been involved in over the last 30 or more years,and the bands and projects of my friends.I do have other "professional" releases posted,but most are out of print and/or obscure and not found anywhere else on the web.I can't tell you what site I use to host now,but it seems safe.links have not been deleted,and it's been well over a year on some posts.I have 2 blogs,and all the links go to one file host.If you check out my blog,you will find the secret to uploading links without deletion!! Your blog rules,by the way,i featured stuff from it on a few of my podcasts,and I dl from it frequently.Thanks for all the great music.Good luck to you,I hope you find a solution to the bullshit!!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your encouragement, support and suggestions, I am looking into a lot of different possible options (including anything/everything mentioned above). When I find a solution, I will be reuploading a lot of the more popular files as well as the more unpopular stuff that I think still needs a longer internet life. I've been consulting with a longtime tech friend about what I can do. I really appreciate the support. It means a lot to me. Thanks to everyone. There will be new stuff up by this weekend.
ReplyDeleteNO MY GOODNESS!? This is a damn shame. I have always enjoyed reading your blog and listening to the various bands/musicians/performers you write so enthusiasticaly and passionately about. I even modeled my own blog after yours because i thought it necessary. mediafire will hear from me as well.
ReplyDeleteothers have said this, but i would purchase i book/zine by you in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeletei have most of the files from this site but no internet at home, so it'd be nice to have something to read along with while listening.
thanks for the inspiration
i can only echo what's already been said. Greg, you provide a wonderful service. i've been turned on to and turned on others to so much amazing stuff i never would have even heard about through your incredible posts.
ReplyDeleteplease don't give up. please.
Thanks. This is very flattering for someone who cannot take a compliment. I'm not stopping in the forseeable future.
ReplyDeleteEven though I've only been following this blog for a few months, it's been a really important resource for me and a few of my friends. This mediafire BS seems really discouraging, but I hope it won't stop you. I've discovered some new favorites outta this blog, and I hope to see it running for a long time!
ReplyDelete