How To Split An Atom

Today I found myself at the University of Florida for their 6th annual Music and Law Conference. This year the focus was on digital music, the Internet and the surrounding legal structure.

Instead of rehashing the entire thing, here is a short list of some of the best moments from the event.

The Highlight Reel

On showing up early

Showing up early to industry events is a double-edged sword. On the plus side, you get access to the good food. Unfortunately, lugging around the laptop for an hour makes you wish you had invested in a Macbook Air.

On everything is everything else

The absolute most important thing you can learn as a creative developer is to keep your eyes open. Before you make a dime, there is going to be a lot of sweat. It’s just something you’re going to have to deal with.

On strangely universal legal musings

Richard Wolfe (Miami Entertainment Lawyer) - There is always an inverse relationship between the legal work that needs to be done and the money available to do it.

On situational irony

Jerry Springer once tried to skip out on paying Two Live Crew for a set of recordings they did for Ringmaster. In an ironic turn of events, the law firm served him on an episode of the Springer Show.

On creative works

Brian Frankel (D.C. Attorney / Filmmaker) - There is an old saying, a watched pot never boils. This is particularly relevant when developing a career in the arts. Your first focus should be getting known, your second should be getting compensated.

On “the most important things”

At break time, the most important thing you can do is make it to lunch first. Any deviation and you’ll have to spend your precious minutes of free time waiting in line for cold BBQ.

On empty promises

Kevin Leary (Attorney) - People who are creative want to tell you how quickly they can do it and how cheaply they can do it. I tell them to multiply it by 4. If you come in a dollar under budget, you are a genius. If you come in a dollar over budget, you are a bum.

On re-purposed analogies

If you act like an Agent, and you smell like an Agent then you’re an Agent and you better be regulated.

On firsts

I met a RIAA lawyer today I did not actively dislike. I must be going soft.

Web 2.0 Roundup

There was a ton of absolutely wonderful content at this conference and I am happy I took the time to show up to it. If any of you have other invitations to interesting events in the realm of web technologies or digital marketing, be certain to drop me a line. I might not be able to make it out, but I will certainly try.

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