ABOUT US

Open Studios started as a project out of discussions about the state of copyright laws in 2002. A 501(c)(3) organization was created. Over time, the project melted away, as interest was not generated to a level of sustainability. Currently, Open Studios represents an idea, a building block, waiting for the right infusion of interest and focus.

The mission of Open Studios is to replenish our precious public domain. In recent years, efforts by what we know as content
providers have managed to lengthen the terms of copyrights far beyond reason. With the advent of the computer, efforts have been made to legislate who will control what users can see and hear over the internet. Print material is being merged with video and audio, and legislation on behalf of content providers now includes restrictions that include criminalization for personal copying of our files.

Unless we solve the copyright issues created by the content providers, our public domain will cease to exist. Open Studios embarked on some goals to counter the corporate efforts. One goal is to bring awareness that the same tools available to content providers is also available to everyone, even the homeless. A desktop computer that is of no use to one person, can be loaded with freely available software from Stanford University's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. Volunteers from around the world will stand ready to assist with technical support and training support without charge. The audio and video software enables users to create digital files for podcasting, CDs, DVDs, public service announcements, tv and radio shows, even full-featured films. There is no need for recording studios in the 20th century fashion. It all sits right on your kitchen table, and it's free.

There's another tool that everyone needs to be aware of. That tool is actually our 21st century wireless infrastructure. If we have access to a wireless infrastructure, even without Internet access, our ability to share information and ideas without interference from corporate content providers would be achieved. The critical component is the ability to obtain a "last mile solution". This means we need a low-cost solution for bringing broadband access to the home.

Using Meraki units, which are preconfigured wireless router/gateways, and plugging them into the nearest wall socket, a home can instantly be covered by a wireless cloud. If, in addition, a cable from the unit is connected to a DSL modem, Internet access is provided as well. The units cost a one-time fee of $50USD. In Charles City, this means we could establish a wireless infrastructure for no more than $50 per house and a shared monthly Internet access payment of less than $10 per month per house. The broadband speeds would be several times faster than the basic DSL connection telcos offer. In 2007, San Francisco began plugging units into wall sockets, and eventually will saturate the city with a wireless infrastructure that can
scale to as many networks as needed to serve the population.