Want to win Twitter friends? Stay short, cheery

Nidhi Subbaraman , NBC News ? ? ? 10 hrs.

Twitter audiences need to be tended to carefully, like a garden with young plants (but hopefully less dirt). There?s all kinds of anecdotal advice about how to be a better tweeter, but now a new study says that the twittizens who grow the most audiences tend to share short, clear, informative tweets.

If most of your followers don?t know you, personal tweets aren?t the best way to go, C.J Hutto, one of the researchers of the group from Georgia Tech, told NBC News. "The ties between people on Twitter are weaker than between people in real life, or on Facebook," he explained.

People are mostly looking for information, the team observed. "Rather than talking about what you had to eat for breakfast or lunch you can talk about an interesting news article that you read," Hutto said.

Hutto and his colleagues scrutinized half a million tweets that 507 people had sent over more than a year. They recorded the length, clarity, and general tone of the tweet. They counted how often the tweeters used hashtags, linked to a website, or used a phrase like "RT" or "HT." They then matched all those numbers against friends and follower counts measured at various times during the course of those 15 months.

What else did they find? Using @-mentions and replies helps build a dedicated following, rather than just a stream of tweets addressed to no one. "Imagine an old professor standing in a lecture hall and broadcasting his lecture, versus direct communication," Hutto explained. "When you're talking to one person it helps you grow your audience."

Also: Bad news or negativity of any kind doesn't do so well. That includes swearing, even a frowning face emoticon. And, clarity is a big bonus. Using full sentences rather than abbreviations as you might on text messages goes a long way in convincing a potential new follow that you are a real person. ?Twitter users apparently seek out well-written content over poorly written content when deciding whether to follow another user,? the team writes. If you stick to a topic, that helps too ? something other researchers have also found.

If you tweet often, perhaps you knew most of this already. But if you're looking to get your numbers up, consider this as free advice.

Via: New Scientist

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/want-win-twitter-friends-keep-it-short-cheery-informative-says-1C8563844

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"Zero Dark Thirty" fails at Oscars amid political fallout

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "Zero Dark Thirty," about the decade-long U.S. hunt for Osama bin Laden, has received more attention in the U.S. Congress than it did at the Oscars on Sunday, amid political fallout over its depiction of torture and alleged intelligence leaks to the movie's makers.

The film, which has sparked outrage among both Democrats and Republicans in Washington over its depiction of torture, and allegations that the Obama administration leaked classified intelligence to help the making of the film, won no major Oscars on Sunday and only one award overall.

Just three months ago, the thriller, which culminates in Osama bin Laden's killing by U.S. Navy Seals, was a strong contender to pick up the biggest prize of Best Picture, as well as the Best Actress and Original Screenplay awards.

By the end of Sunday night, however, it had picked up just one award - a shared Oscar for Sound Editing, which was a tie.

In recent weeks, the movie has seen a fierce backlash over its implied message that torture helped crack the bin Laden case.

Early signs of trouble came in mid-December when leading U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Carl Levin, both Democrats, and John McCain, the Republicans' 2008 presidential candidate, sent a letter to movie studio Sony Pictures, castigating the film.

They called the film "grossly inaccurate and misleading" for suggesting torture helped the U.S. track the al Qaeda leader to a Pakistani compound, where he was killed in 2011.

Three weeks later, the film's director, Kathryn Bigelow, was omitted from the Oscar's Best Director shortlist, chosen by about 5,800 movie industry professionals who make up the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Bigelow was one of only four big directors to be snubbed while the film did receive five Oscar nominations.

In January, Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan pointed the finger at Washington, writing: "Chalk up this year's nominations as a victory for the bullying power of the United States Senate and an undeserved loss for Kathryn Bigelow."

Even on Oscar morning, the film woke to unwelcome headlines. The relatives of a flight attendant who died in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks criticized the film for using a recording of her last call before her American Airlines plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Harry Ong, the brother of the flight attendant, Betty Ann Ong, called the film "just outrageous."

Republicans in Washington have been particularly critical of the film, alleging that it was used to help the re-election prospects of U.S. President Barack Obama, and that it revealed national security secrets.

Other victims of the September 11 attacks have voiced support for the film as did departing U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

Before Sunday's Oscars, Rotten Tomatoes editor-in-chief Matt Atchity said: "Controversial movies suffer with Academy voters. I think 'Zero Dark Thirty' will have a tough time winning Best Picture because I think the Academy is going to go with less controversial choices."

(Editing by Sandra Maler)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/zero-dark-thirty-fails-oscars-amid-political-fallout-063448309--finance.html

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Obama's State of the Union speech coincides with cybersecurity order

Feb. 13, 2013

Dive Summary:

• Coinciding with his State of the Union speech Tuesday (as was expected), President Barack Obama signed an executive order calling on the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop?voluntary cybersecurity standards for companies working with vital infrastructure interests.
• The order comes after Republicans and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce defeated a cybersecurity bill last year, arguing that it would introduce burdensome regulation to companies.
• Nuclear plants and railways are among the interests that Obama believes should be protected.

From the article:

"... The order, released yesterday as Obama began his State of the Union speech, directs the government to develop voluntary cybersecurity standards for companies operating the nation?s vital infrastructure, such as power grids and air traffic control systems. It instructs federal agencies to consider putting those standards into existing regulations. ..."

Source: http://www.utilitydive.com/news/obamas-state-of-the-union-speech-coincides-with-cybersecurity-order/99780/

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Cleveland Browns and NFL A.M. Links: Joe Flacco rumors persist; Pat Shurmur will not call plays for Eagles

CLEVELAND, Ohio -? Rumors persist about the possibility of the Cleveland Browns going after Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

Peter King brought up that possibility in a recent SI.com article but it isn't likely. Reporter Mary Kay Cabot writes on Cleveland.com how the Browns could go after Flacco if the Ravens choose not to apply the exclusive franchise tag by March 4:

The exclusive designation prohibits other teams from making offers, but the Ravens would have to pay him about $20 million for 2013 -- unless they sign him to a long-term deal after tagging him.

If the Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Flacco, other teams could make offers but would have to surrender two first-round picks to sign him. The Ravens, who are currently about $12.9 million under the cap, could match any offer. If no one made an offer, the Ravens would owe him about $15 million.

And if the Browns did go after Flacco, they would have to give up two first-round picks. Flacco had a great run in the playoffs, but was that just a hot streak, or is he really that good?

Other takes on Flacco include Terry Pluto saying a move to Cleveland just seems like a February fantasy; and ESPNCleveland writing about why the Browns might look at "double-dipping."

More Browns and NFL links

The Baltimore Ravens hope to meet with Flacco next week (Baltimore Sun).

It's cheaper for the Steelers to keep James Harrison (TribLive.com).

The NFL Network takes a close look at the Bengals (NFL.com).

Next year's Super Bowl won't catch the NFL out in the cold (SBJ.com).

It's time for the Patriots to find Tom Brady some young receivers (Yahoo.com).

The Buffalo Bills release two vets (CBSSports.com).

The signing of Michael Vick could mean trouble for the new coach (Fox Sports).

Sam Rutigliano warns owner Jimmy Haslam not to lose touch with team (CantonRep.com).

Pat Shurmur expects Chip Kelly to call plays in Philadelphia (Philly.com).

It didn't take long, but owner Jimmy Haslam returns to his truck stop company (Cleveland.com).

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/02/cleveland_browns_and_nfl_am_li_85.html

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Risk of cardiovascular death doubled in women with high calcium intake: High risk only in those taking supplements as well

Feb. 12, 2013 ? High intakes of calcium (corresponding to diet and supplements) in women are associated with a higher risk of death from all causes, but cardiovascular disease in particular, compared with women with lower calcium intake, a new study suggests.

Experts recommend a high calcium intake (as it plays a pivotal role in human physiology) and as such, more than 60% of middle-aged and older women in the USA now take supplements.

However, recent trials have indicated a higher risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke with calcium supplements but this was not observed in another trial and few studies have examined this association.

Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden therefore studied 61,443 Swedish women (born between 1914 and 1948) for an average of 19 years to test this association.

Data were taken from the Swedish Cause of Death Registry and data on diet were taken from the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Total calcium intake included supplemental calcium. The mean intake in the lowest quartile was 572mg/day (the equivalent of five slices of cheese ) and in the highest 2137mg/day.

Information was obtained from the women on menopausal status, postmenopausal estrogen therapy, parity information, weight and height, smoking habits, leisure-time physical activity and educational level.

Results showed that during 19 years of follow-up, 11,944 women (17%) died: 3,862 of these (32%) died from cardiovascular disease, 1932 (16%) heart disease and 1100 (8%) from stroke. Highest rates of all-cause, cardiovascular and heart disease were observed among those with a dietary calcium intake higher than 1400mg/day.

In addition, researchers observed higher death rates among women with an intake below 600mg/day.

Women who had a higher dietary intake of calcium exceeding 1400mg/day and also used supplements had a higher death rate compared to those not taking supplements. Women with a high dietary calcium intake (>1400 mg/day) were more than twice as likely to die compared with women with a 600-999mg/day calcium intake.

The researchers explain their findings by suggesting that diets very low or very high in calcium can override normal homeostatic control causing changes in blood levels of calcium.

The researchers conclude that high calcium is associated with "higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates" and so to prevent fractures in the elderly emphasis should be placed on individuals with a low intake of calcium rather than increasing the intake of those already consuming satisfactory amounts.

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_health/~3/OUOdQJZ9adY/130212192030.htm

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Meat Industry May Shut Down For Weeks Due To U.S. Spending Cuts

* Without USDA inspectors, meat plants would have to close
* Production losses of $10 billion possible
* White House ties budget cuts to everyday life (Meatpackers say USDA can avoid mass shutdowns)
By Charles Abbott
WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (Reuters) - The Obama administration warned on Friday that across-the-board spending cuts set to take effect in March may result in furloughing every U.S. meat and poultry inspector for two weeks, causing the meat industry to shut down.
By law, meatpackers and processors are not allowed to ship beef, pork, lamb and poultry meat without the Agriculture Department's inspection seal.
The prospect of mass furloughs of meat and food inspectors was part of a broader White House warning about the effects of the potential spending cuts on everyday life. Meatpackers said a shut-down would devastate consumers as well as their industry.
President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans still must resolve differences over spending cuts and tax increases, dubbed the "fiscal cliff," which essentially was delayed by both sides from happening on Jan. 1 and was pushed back until March.
"USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service may have to furlough all employees for approximately two weeks," a White House statement said.
An estimated $10 billion in production would be lost during a two-week furlough, said a USDA official, and consumers could see meat shortages and higher prices as a result.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack lamented across-the-board spending cuts during a speech to state agriculture directors earlier this week.
"There is not much we can do when Congress says to cut every line item by a certain percent," Vilsack said. He said employee pay accounted for the bulk of spending at the meat safety agency.
USDA spends about $1 billion on meat safety annually and has 8,400 inspectors at 6,290 slaughter and processing plants.
The American Meat Institute, a trade group, said the USDA should try to keep meat plants open while meeting targets for cuts, rather than going ahead with a mass furlough.
It said the agency could suspend non-essential programs and furlough employees other than inspectors to avoid "inflicting unnecessary hardship" on the meat industry.
A trade group for ranchers and cattle feeders said "food safety is a partnership" that requires government participation. "Our common goal is to ensure that inspections remain unhindered," the National Cattleman's Beef Association said.
Chicago livestock traders mostly viewed the White House threat as a budgetary bluff.
"Can you imagine the flak?" asked Joseph Ocrant, a trader who said he was skeptical the White House would pull inspectors out of plants for two weeks.
Americans consume more than 200 pounds (91 kg) of meat apiece each year, an average of slightly more than one-half pound a day. (Additional reporting by Theopolis Waters in Chicago; Editing by Ros Krasny and Paul Simao)

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/09/meat-industry-shutdown_n_2649456.html

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Tsunami warnings canceled after small tsunami hits Solomon Islands

Tsunami warnings were issued for much of the South Pacific after an 8.0 earthquake hit near the Solomon Islands, but the resulting tsunami only hit the nearby islands, prompting officials to cancel the warnings for more-distant shores.

By Associated Press / February 5, 2013

A bulletin from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center shows the area affected by the tsunami warning that followed a magnitude 8.0 underwater earthquake near the Solomon Islands.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center/NOAA/NWS/Reuters/Handout

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A powerful?earthquake?off the Solomon Islands generated a tsunami that damaged dozens of homes in the South Pacific island chain Wednesday, but authorities cancelled tsunami warnings and watches for more distant coasts.

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Local officials in the Solomons reported two 1.5-meter (4 foot, 11-inch) waves hit the western side of Santa Cruz Island, damaging around 50 homes and properties, said George Herming, a spokesman for the prime minister. There were no reports of injuries or deaths. Villagers were heading for higher ground as a precaution, Herming said.

The tsunami formed after an 8.0-magnitude?earthquake?near Lata on Santa Cruz in Temotu province, the easternmost province of the Solomons, about a 3-hour flight from the capital, Honiara. The region has a population of around 30,000 people.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami of about a meter (3 feet) was measured in Lata wharf, in the Solomon Islands. The center said an 11-centimeter (4.3-inch) wave was observed in neighboring Vanuatu. The center cancelled earlier warnings for tsunami further away.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/QErFfujK8ts/Tsunami-warnings-canceled-after-small-tsunami-hits-Solomon-Islands

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Same factors influence depression in stroke patients, spouse caregivers

Feb. 6, 2013 ? Self-esteem, optimism and perceived control influence depression in stroke survivors and their spouse caregivers -- who should be treated together, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2013.

Researchers, who analyzed 112 depressed stroke survivors up to 8 weeks after hospital discharge and their spouses, found self-esteem and optimism influenced each partners' depression.

"We usually have been focused on the outcome of the stroke survivor, but we found that the self-esteem and optimism of the spouse caretaker is related to the patient's depression," said Misook Chung, Ph.D., R.N., study author and Associate Professor in the University of Kentucky's College of Nursing in Lexington, Ky. "When the spouse has a high level of self-esteem and optimism, the patient has lower levels of depression."

The impact of spouses on patients' depression has been often ignored, Chung said. "This is an innovative and early analysis that considers the stroke patients and their caretaker spouses as a unit, not individually."

Researchers drew the cross-sectional study population from four hospitals in Indianapolis. The patients were 66 percent men (average 62 years) and their caregivers were 66 percent women (average 60 years). They used four different questionnaires to assess depression, self-esteem, optimism and perceived control: Patient's Health Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Sale, Revised Life Orientation Test, and Sense of Control Scale.

Depression is common in stroke survivors and in their spouse caregivers, researchers said. The interdependent relationship among the pair in stroke rehabilitation means that improving depression may depend on each partner's characteristics.

"Intervention needs to be given not only to the patient but to the caregiver spouse to maximize the patient's outcome," Chung said. "Maintaining an optimistic and positive view is very important not only for the patient but for the caregiver spouse so that quality of care for the patient can be improved."

Co-authors are Tamilyn Bakas, Ph.D, R.N.; Laura Plue, M.A.; and Linda Williams, M.D. Author disclosures are on the abstract.

The National Institutes of Health funded the study.

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/mind_brain/depression/~3/l6qnkp9lcrk/130206141641.htm

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TodKilgore.com - Market Your Business Online With These Easy Tips

As the Internet plays a larger and larger roles in our lives, business should focus on Internet marketing in order to maximize success. So, if you?re planning on starting a web business, you need to know some great Internet marketing techniques if you hope to compete. The information below will get you started and show you how powerful Internet marketing can be.

You normally do not want to mix pleasure and business, but in this instance, you may want to. This is because there generally isn?t a lot of pressure to succeed, and you can spend as much or as little time on it as you want. Involve your significant other, and make a go of it together.

Incorporate free components on your site to lure your customers in. One of the most popular giveaways used by online businesses is an interesting and relevant article. For example, if you have a landscaping company, offer watering and other care tips in the downloads. The main point is that offering something for free is a great way to entice people.

Give visitors to your website a service or some type of product for free. People visit for free offers and might stay if something interesting is on the site. A good incentive for a finance web site is a free calculator for tax returns.

Interview legitimate authority figures in your niche. Always get written permission before you publish any of this content. You can submit these interviews into real articles and then make submissions to E-zine directories. This process can generate increased sales, traffic, and heightened credibility.

You can increase the success of your internet marketing by writing a blog on a regular basis. Blogging regularly gives you an excellent avenue from which to communicate directly with your customers. Blogs will also increase your content. This will raise your visibility with search engines and increase visitor traffic.

Almost any product or service advertisement can benefit from descriptive words and phrases that promise instant or near-instant gratification. Emphasize the speed and ease of use of your company to grow your business. For example, this might include time-saving features like faster download speeds, quick and simple checkouts, or timely order confirmations.

In your advertisements and in your content, utilizing the word ?guaranteed? is a successful strategy. Even if they know that your guarantee hinges on how trustworthy you are, hearing the word helps people feel more at ease about giving you their business. Your customers work hard for what they have, and guarantees give them some comfort while spending their money on your products.

Take the necessary time to learn about web design. There are plenty of guides online that will teach you almost everything you need to know about HTML and CSS to get your web design training off on the right foot. If you can devote just a few minutes a day, then soon you will have the basic knowledge you need to use on your own website.

One online marketing strategy is encouraging your visitors to purchase your product by offering discounted prices. You can easily do this by listing the discounted price and the original price together next to a certain item. For quicker sales, offer the special prices and discounts for a limited time.

Give your customers the chance to sign up to your Ezine. This effective marketing tool is especially potent if you create an interesting Ezine that promotes a strong relationship with subscribers. Add family pictures of you to inject personality. Try adding short humorous inputs about home life and employee relationships. A fascinating informational article on your Ezine can spark customer interest. One suggestion is a ?how to? article.

Allow your customers to pay wholesale prices if they order in bulk. You can make profits with wholesale items being sold while increasing the amount you sell.

More subscribers means more profits. A split test can help you determine which methods earn you more subscribers. A split test is when you show one version of your site to one group of people, and another version of your site to other people. Make your decision based on which version resulted in attracting the most subscribers.

Make the most of your website if you want to effectively market it. You need to create an original design, organize your site so it is easy to navigate and write quality content every week. By having an appealing website, you can encourage visitors to stay.

It is important to keep track of online sentiment whenever you have an event or promotion running. This allows you to tailor your future strategies more effectively. When you have launched an event online, initiative or promotion, look on blogs, forums and other sites to get feedback on how your visitors have responded. Incorporate the advice they have given so that your visitors know that you are listening to them, and respect what they have to say.

Although Internet marketing may seem complicated, the basic ideas in the article above can significantly increase your company?s chance of success. Applying the things that you have learned from this article will help you boost the level of success of your company and draw in more potential customers than ever before.

Tod Kilgore is the owner of TK Web Group a provider of premium consulting and web services to help bring profit in hidden areas and maximize your online business model. Discover how to bring in staggering profits and create or grow your customer base with an online presence.
- Please email me direct with questions or comments. ? TodKilgore@gmail.com
? Please visit our our company website: http://www.TkWebGroup.com

- Read our FREE E-white papers and articles here: http://www.ProWebsite.co

Source: http://todkilgore.com/2013/02/market-your-business-online-with-these-easy-tips-2/

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Obesity in dads may be associated with offspring's increased risk of disease

Feb. 5, 2013 ? A father's obesity is one factor that may influence his children's health and potentially raise their risk for diseases like cancer, according to new research from Duke Medicine.

The study, which appears Feb. 6 in the journal BMC Medicine, is the first in humans to show that paternal obesity may alter a genetic mechanism in the next generation, suggesting that a father's lifestyle factors may be transmitted to his children.

"Understanding the risks of the current Western lifestyle on future generations is important," said molecular biologist Adelheid Soubry, PhD, a postdoctoral associate at Duke Cancer Institute and the study's lead author. "The aim of this study was to determine potential associations between obesity in parents prior to conception and epigenetic profiles in offspring, particularly at certain gene regulatory regions."

Researchers looking at health outcomes in newborns have historically focused on pregnant women. Studies have shown that nutrition and environmental factors during pregnancy can affect children's health and may raise their risk of chronic diseases. However, little has been done to uncover how paternal factors can affect children.

The Duke research team sought to determine associations between obesity in parents and changes in DNA methylation at the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene among offspring. DNA methylation regulates the activity of certain genes, which can reflect a higher risk for some diseases. Decreased DNA methylation at the IGF2 gene has been associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including colorectal and ovarian cancers.

"Our genes are able to adapt to our environment. However, we adjust in a way that may be problematic later," said Cathrine Hoyo, PhD, MPH, a cancer epidemiologist at Duke Medicine and the study's senior author. "It is not a change in the sequence of the DNA itself, but how genes are expressed. Some genes may get 'shut off' as a result of environmental trauma."

To gather data on newborn health outcomes, the researchers followed families enrolled in the Newborn Epigenetics Study (NEST), a research program developed by Hoyo and funded by the National Institutes of Health to test the influence of environmental exposures on genetic profiles in newborns.

Researchers gathered information about the mothers and fathers using questionnaires and medical records. They then examined DNA from the umbilical cords of 79 newborns to determine potential associations between the offspring's DNA methylation patterns and parental obesity before conception.

DNA methylation at the IGF2 gene in the offspring of obese fathers was significantly lower than in the children of fathers who were not obese. This suggests that paternal obesity may be associated with an increased risk of children developing certain cancers.

The researchers noted that the changes in DNA methylation could have been a result of something related to obesity, such as eating a certain diet or having diabetes, that was not measured in this study.

Additional research is underway to see if these changes in DNA methylation at the IGF2 gene remain as the children grow older. Future studies may also determine if certain interventions -- similar to women taking folic acid while pregnant to prevent birth defects -- can be used prior to or after conception to prevent irregular methylation profiles.

"This study is an important start in looking at the effects of environmental exposure on children, not only through the mother but also through the father," said Soubry. "Although we cannot define at this point which obesity-related factor may cause an epigenetic effect, we measured in this study a significant association between paternal obesity and aberrant methylation profiles in the offspring."

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Journal Reference:

1. Adelheid Soubry, Joellen M Schildkraut, Amy Murtha, Frances Wang, Zhiqing Huang, Autumn Bernal, Joanne Kurtzberg, Randy L Jirtle, Susan K Murphy and Cathrine Hoyo. Paternal obesity is associated with IGF2 hypomethylation in newborns: results from a Newborn Epigenetics Study (NEST) cohort. BMC Medicine, 2013 (in press)

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GS_zmQLX5EY/130205200243.htm

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More Change At AOL: Photosharing App Hipster.com Is Shutting Down February 16

Another change afoot at AOL today: Hipster.com, a hyperlocal photosharing app AOL acquired in March 2012, is shutting down as of February 16. Registered users are being sent emails (a copy is embedded below) telling them that they will need to save any postcards -- Hipster's term for posted images -- by that date, or they will be deleted, along with all other user data. The site itself has yet to post any notifications, although its Twitter feed confirms the news, too.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/-oHls0LJV4E/

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Harbaugh Handshake: John, Jim Do Not Hug After Ravens Win Super Bowl XLVII (VIDEO)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Morgan Cox #46 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Head coach John Harbaugh and Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after defeating the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana.The Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebreates with his teammates after defeating the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens defeated the 49ers 34-31. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ed Reed #20 and Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after defeating the San Francisco 49ers as CBS Host Jim Nantz looks on during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens defeated the 49ers 34-31. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers walks off of the field dejected after the Baltimore Ravens won 34-31 during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with the VInce Lombardi trophy after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebreates with his teammates after defeating the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens defeated the 49ers 34-31. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates following their 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy following their 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs out of bounds in the fourth quarter against Dannell Ellerbe #59 of the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens reacts against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball before stiff-arming Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Anquan Boldin #81 of the Baltimore Ravens can't make a catch in the second half against Chris Culliver #29, Dashon Goldson #38 and Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates Colin Kaepernick #7 and Joe Staley #74 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he scored a 15-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: David Akers #2 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts a field goal in the second half against Chykie Brown #23 of the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens pass against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter in front of teammate Michael Crabtree #15 past Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs into the endzone for a 15-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter as teammate Joe Staley #74 against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a fumble recovery by Tarell Brown #25 in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers shouts from the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Cary Williams #29 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass in front of Ted Ginn #19 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Bernard Pierce #30 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the second half against Aldon Smith #99 of the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Aldon Smith #99 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a sack with teammate Ahmad Brooks #55 against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Jacoby Jones #12 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a kick-off 108 yards for a touchdown to open in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens fumbles the ball in the third quarter against Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens is sacked by Ahmad Brooks #55 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ted Ginn #19 of the San Francisco 49ers returns apunt 32-yards in the third quarter against Sam Koch #4 of the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Field judge Craig Wrolstad stands on the field during a 34 minute power outage during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Jacoby Jones #12 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after he scored on a 109-yard kick-off return for a touchdown to open the second half against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: The San Francisco 49ers stand on the field after a sudden power outage in the second half during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: A partial power outage during the third quarter causes a 34 minute delay in the game during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Jacoby Jones #12 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a 56-yard pass before running in for the touchdown in the second quarter in front of Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens gestures towards teammate Jacoby Jones #12 after Jones scored on a 109-yard kick-off return for a touchdown to open the second half against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens turns to hand the ball off to Bernard Pierce #30 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Kicker Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens is stopped short of a first down on a fake field goal attempt in the second quarter by Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts to escape pressure from Aldon Smith #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first half during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Dennis Pitta #88 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammate Matt Birk #77 after catching a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers runs on the field to arguee with head linesman Steve Stelljes #22 after players from the 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens were pushing and shoving each other in the second quarter during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Cary Williams #29 of the Baltimore Ravens is held back by Dannell Ellerbe #59 and head linesman Steve Stelljes #22 from Bruce Miller #49 of the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after he threw a 1-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to Dennis Pitta #88 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Donte Whitner #31 of the San Francisco 49ers commits a face mask penalty in the second quarter against Ed Dickson #84 of the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLVII - Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Anthony Davis #76 of the San Francisco 49ers and Bernard Pollard #31 of the Baltimore Ravens get rough with each other at the bottom of a pile in the second quarter during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/03/harbaugh-handshake-john-jim-dont-hug-super-bowl_n_2613221.html

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SPICY IP: Part I: Digitization of content: a comparative analysis of ...

This post consists of two parts. Both parts examine the impact of digitization on the entertainment industry. The first part analyzes the growth patterns of the music industry (international as well as domestic). The second part analyzes the growth trends of the international and domestic, film and television industry. The conclusion seeks to show that inspite of digitization the entertainment industry is doing well in terms of output, revenues and creativity.

Across the globe policy makers are coming to terms with digitization of content and are beginning to realize that a digital copyright reform is a necessity and no longer an option. This realization stems from the recent proliferation of digital content and the tremendous socio-economic benefits associated with such a trend. Digitization of creative industries has lead to increased competitiveness, job creation and economic growth. This is evidenced by studies that note (here) ? ?The cost of non-digital Europe is significant: according to a recent study, the EU could gain 4% GDP by stimulating the fast development of the digital single market by 2020. This corresponds to a gain of almost EUR 500 billion and means that the digital single market alone could have an impact similar to the 1992 internal market program.? Statistics collected by the report ?The Sky is Rising? (hereinafter ?the report?) show a marked increase in music, books, video and video game sales and output in countries like the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain ?and Russia, inspite of digitization of content. These statistics buttress the premise that digitization has lead not only to economic growth of the entertainment industry but also increased creativity and diversity within this industry. Growth trends of the Music Industry: comparative analysis ? The report showed that contrary to common assumptions, the music industry is not dying or waning due to digitization. As evidenced in the report, music production is at an all time high- ?Globally, the media metadata service Gracenote has indexed over 130 million music tracks, and over the years, it has been adding about 10-15 million songs to its database in a remarkably consistent manner, year after year.? Not only is music produced by famous recording labels and professional artists increasing but also music produced by amateur artists. This was evidenced by a simple search on YouTube for ?cover song? which produced tens of thousands of results. This goes to show that diversity in music is on a rise thus leading to more creative output. Also, as pointed out in the report, diversity is increasing not only with an increase in number of amateur artists but also increasing with regard to the creation of new genres of music. Such diversity, therefore, presents an opportunity to the music industry to tap into the growing talent and take advantage of this diverse market. Music production in India is also rapidly increasing. Amateur artists in India are fast growing and a similar, but more specific YouTube search for ?cover song Indians? produces 21,000 results, ?cover songs Hindi? produces around 50,000 results, are only indicative of the potential and diversity the Indian music industry has at its disposal. Given that India has several regional languages, has a Bollywood, a Sandalwood, a Kollywood and a Tollywood!, the number of amateur artists simply making cover songs is obviously enormous. Moreover, shows like the ?Indian Idol? promote amateur singers showing thereby that more yet-to-be-famous singers are getting publicity via non-traditional media outlets. The various ways new technologies and methods allow exposure of talent is important for any music industry and as the report points out, completely excluding this increasing pool of talent (no matter how untalented they may be in the ?deep end?) would miss out on where the music industry is going and how it may spread in the future. With regard to music revenues, it has been reported that ?globally, the recorded music industry is transitioning to selling more digital music (rather than physical media), and the revenues from digital songs are starting to match up to the revenues from physical media sales?. The table, using statistics from the report, shows that digital music revenues of US, Italy and France have risen drastically, however, Russia?s and Spain?s have not - In the UK, digital music revenues have recently surpassed physical media revenues and UK song writers are earning more from digital royalties (increase of 3.2% in 2011). Digital music sales are also fast growing in Germany, up over 21% in 2011. The decline in revenues in Russia has been attributed to various suspected factors like piracy and file sharing, decline in ringtone royalties with the emergence of smart phones and the scarcity of legal digital music services. However, there is no evidence of a decrease in demand for music and some attribute this decline to be part of a temporary business cycle phenomenon. Though similar factors could have affected and lead to a decline in Indian digital music sales, numbers show that Indian digital music sales have actually increased.? As reported, according to the FICCI-KPMG Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report, 2012, sales of physical music of the Indian music industry decreased by 19 per % year-on-year but this was compensated by a significant increase of 24 % year-on-year sales in digital music. It was also noted that ?interestingly 90 per cent of the total digital music sales have come from the mobile segment?. This could be attributed to the scarcity of internet music services in India. With the emergence of more such platforms, Indians believe that they will be able to explore new genres of music and increase demand for non-film genres (here). The FICCI-KPMG report also estimated that the Indian music industry would grow at CARG 17% to Rs. 18.66 billion by 2015, with digital music acting as the key growth driver. With regard to digital music sales through mobile phones, a report stated that Kolaveri Di made it to Airtel?s 2011 top-sellers as it was downloaded 210,000 times within 18 months of launch. This report also stated that a survey among 170 million mobile customers of Airtel revealed 150 million music mobile music downloads last year. These are statistics of just one telecom player in India! Moreover, another report in 2011, recorded that the ratio between digital music sales and physical sales is now around 70:30 and is heading towards 80:20. However, this report also states that since audio launches through CD?s help procedures publicize their films and that some users value tangible ownership of CD (though this is fast changing), physical copies continue to be preferred by regional music industries.?

Source: http://spicyipindia.blogspot.com/2013/02/part-i-digitization-of-content.html

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