The benefits of unity....

Before I may begin to lay down what seems to me the most rational and effective solution against media piracy today... especially in Bangladesh, I must acknowledge the support of the few, those who understand.

I believe I do not have to elaborate on the importance of the petition that was made available to the public. It’s more important to focus on the solution that was offered in that petition.

1) We must strive to make it mandatory by law to print/post barcode on multimedia products, and

2) Make it mandatory by law for all multimedia businesses to provide sales receipts (with clear accounts of sales tax, and VAT) to the customers in the media industry in Bangladesh.

These steps will not completely eradicate the problem; however, they are key steps that will ensure the beginning of a great era, and a proper maintenance of the media industry, thus must be carried out as soon as possible.

Websites like, http://www.AmaderGaan.com has already initiated superb systems to provide the artists and the distribution companies an opportunity to sell their music online, and maintain a sound account of items sold. I wish that all the other websites that are now illegally providing download links would learn to appreciate the hard work of their artists. On the contrary, it is exactly the opposite!

Hence, the declaration of war...

These illegal websites are mostly out of the Bangladeshi jurisdiction, as they are registered under foreign nations. Therefore, the legal procedure in this path will take unbearably long. We must find an alternative.

The benefits of unity are never to be ignored. In my opinion, the artists along with their distribution companies should form coalitions with multimedia companies abroad to file lawsuits against the pirates in their own land. This could be achieved very effectively with the help of AmaderGaan.com in Canada, GaanJam Records in London, and Upolism Studios, Inc in New York…

For instance, if ABC Music Company from Dhaka comes to a common agreement with EFG Music Company in New York, by which EFG Music Company is a legal distributor in their country, and would have the power of an attorney to file a lawsuit against the pirates abroad, based on a clear sharing of intellectual property rights.

I’m no lawyer, but I believe beside the pain of tedious paper works, this could be achieved in short period of time, if it is properly persuaded.

Message from the self of the past...

Don't know why...I just had to check if there were any blogs under "Upolism." I was surprised. There is one. And I can't log into it. Don't remember which account I've used. "Well, don't just give up like that big boy. Burn some woods, let me see some action maan! Hurry!"

So what's written in my long lost blog? I, or whoever had named it, "The Anthem." Sounds like a cult to me...ha! It's a living proof of my forgetful mind. A proof of my childish laziness. A diamond for those who wish to laugh at others expense. A joke where I am the sad clown.

(link to the Anthem)

Friday, 23 March 2007

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Hello and welcome to the site. Here you will find Few literary craps by Upol And also links to sites where You could listen to Or download his music Free of charge. This site is still Under construction. So there might be pages Or links That wont work properly... For that we apologize in advance. If you have any questions or comments... Please feel free to drop an email at upol.russell@gmail.com

The Miracle...

It's been at least five months since I've left new york. I had to shut down my studio there. Couldn't pay the rent. It's not because I was broke or anything. Rather, I've moved to Dhaka, hence no income in US dollars. Second, the rent for the studio was simply too high. I had to make a decision. It wasn't a happy one. But, one must carry on...

I wasn't so sure that my stay in Bangladesh would become a fruitful one. With God's help I've kept knocking at fate's door. Things worked out... I've joined Bengal Music Company Ltd as project coordinator. I have a complete studio set up in my office. Logic Pro...Mac computers... Boy! It's a lot of fun.

My life, as every other ones, has it's ups and downs. As of now, it feels like a miracle... Most of the things, including the new-found fame, is simply blowing me away.

Well....thank you God. All praises are due to you. Please continue to shower your mercy upon the righteous.

God willing, within a week my first produced Various Artists album "The Miracle - I" shall release from Bengal Music Company. I've worked with many different artists, DJ, Hiphop groups, and newbies in the first part of "The Miracle" chronicles.

"The Miracle" shall consist of three parts. "The Miracle - I," "The Miracle - II," "The Miracle Music Videos." The first one will release within a few days. And then after a month gap "The Miracle - II." Music videos are still in progress. So far I have shot and edited 4 music videos. Believe me they are hot!

So fact of the moment is that I am content. However, just a little unease, which I can't define, continues to harass my conscience...

sigh...

Conversations...

Shantonu bhai...the former drummer of the band Bangla, has been living with me for quite a long now. I was discussing a few things with him a few minutes ago. And obviously, I came to write about it. Funny...I forgot what we talked about. To be more precise, I kind of know what we've talked about..

Oh k, now I remember. I was telling him how I perceive video games as a tool to make me commercially productive. He said, "How?"

"Well, lets say I have to write a book on World War II, " I tell him as I drag on my cigarette, "The very first thing I would do is I would buy some war games for ps2. Play them as thoroughly as possible. Read the necessary history books, memoirs, etc. And va la I'm ready for the book :)"

He seemed satisfied. I just walked away, as if I am scared of my own philosophy. Life is too short. I feel that even me writing this blog for what purpose it may serve...is in actuality a waste of my time. For instance, as I am writing right now - let's say, all of a sudden my whole floor starts to shake with my computer table and other furniture. Earth quake!!!

I'm dead along with my epiphanies. May be this would be saved...what ever I am writing. But what if things go wrong for pretty much all over the world.

Then, my dear friends, we are as feeble as the cockroaches. We are so weak as a society, more than half of our people does not understand the concept of "society."

Tell me how many people read "Social Contract?" I'm not even gonna write the authors name.

Yall should be ashamed. Read it...and then ask yourself, "Am I a social being? Really?"

You should have your answer then.

Ephiphany

"Time may forgive one, but Life will not...An honest mistake or a dirty thought...Human nature - it is bound to judge in vain...lovers to bankers, everybody - same."

(upol, dhaka. Dec, 2009)