From: Kim Cascone <kim@anechoicmedia.com>
To: microsound_list <microsound@hyperreal.org>
Bcc: a_kat <kat@stoneyamashita.com>, "kim_anechoicmedia.com" <kim@anechoicmedia.com>
Date: Friday, September 5, 2003 2:26 PM
Subject: DROPLIFT PROJECT

Today, digital content is predominantly distributed and consumed via the Internet. We are barraged with web audio, QuickTime movies, interstitial ads, banner ads, pop-up ads, html spam, and clever Flash pages while we travel from page to page. We typically request none of this extra content. In a manner of speaking, we are victims of droplifting when subjected to the tsunami of unsolicited information. Fellow list member Tobias van Veen once made the point that the general laisser-faire attitude towards file trading may be a result of our constant exposure to free content, i.e., advertising. We learn to consider content as being 'free' because we are forced to consume it whether we want to or not.

What does this have to do with droplifting? Droplifting is an anarchic form of distribution that leverages traditional methods of moving content yet establishes a direct connection between the artist and consumer. 
The object enters their world as a gift, a surprise; as an object without a predetermined value. However, as the receiver begins to explore the object they build a personalized value: interesting artifact, disposable garbage, art curio, or inspirational device. It arrives _unexpected_ and this is perhaps the most important part of the equation. When the frame of exchange-value is removed from the object it is allowed to float, unattached to any system, free to become whatever the new owner thinks it should be: chimera, gift, or mistake. The object becomes a mirror for the owners psyche. The feelings that are triggered provide a context with which the piece is discovered and explored.

This project will be conducted in the following manner:

List members will upload music, visuals, text into the appropriate folders on the hotline serverÉyou may upload whatever you like so long as it has something to do with the theme of droplifting and microsoundÉonce all the folders start to get filled with content (there is no threshold set as to when people can start downloadingÉit's up to the individual) any list member can start downloading content they think would make for an interesting droplift object and burn it to CDRÉthe final object can be an audio CD, CDROM, DVD, Hybrid CD, etcÉpeople can also make and upload CD covers and artwork to be used for printing outÉof course listing the content on the cover depends on what is ultimately contained on the CDRÉ

the next step is to burn multiple copies (5+) and clandestinely distribute them by droplifting them into unexpected contextsÉhere are some ideas as to where to drop them:
- in CD racks at your local CD shop
- into books or magazines at a book store or library
- into AOL CDROM packages (slice open and reseal)
- into peoples mailboxes
- in coworkers desks at work
- on a table at a restaurant after leaving
- into mailboxes in a random apartment building
- mail inboxes of a friends company
 
thatÕs pretty much itÉthe project is intentionally left open to drift and float along at its own speed and trajectoryÉ

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I will assigning hotline accounts until Tuesday the 9th! after that I will not be able to assign any hotline accounts until end of October! ask me NOW
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