Being a musician these days is kinda complicated …

The Future of Music Coalition (FMC) is conducting an online survey from September 6 to October 28 called “How Do You Make Money From Music?” as part of the Artists Revenue Streams project. The FMC is collecting information how musicians and composers generate income these days and how this has changed over the past five years. Material World Alert: Participants are eligible to win prizes, like an iPad or gift certificate.

If you are a US-based musician (any genre) and are 18 years of age or older, you can participate anonymously.

In 2012, FMC will be sharing the data with policymakers , organizations, arts advocates and musicians. Call me Pollyanna, but maybe this will lead to wise decisions by our fair leaders in Congress ….

Find out more about the Future of Music Coalition at their upcoming Policy Summit

Many of my musician friends will be singing today in remembrance of our fellow Americans who were mass-murdered by criminal cowards on 9-11-01.

Here is some background info on songs you might want to add to your repertoire:  Songs for September 11, 2011

Footnote: I am fascinated by how many of our beloved patriotic songs were written by folks with a connection to the church…and also how many of the tunes were borrowed from the popular (i.e. pop) culture at the time.

I am VERY concerned about the future of serious journalism.

Much as I love reading my own Tower of Babel posts, I know the difference between investigative reporting and the opinions I express in my blog. The ability to conduct real investigative reporting has been an integral part of the development of our nation. That’s why I’m dismayed by the well-groomed “Ol’ Yellers” who hang out on certain networks in disdainful, panic-spreading herds. While their expertise on pretty much every topic is quite remarkable, their shout-downs generally deliver opinions, not vetted facts.

While the communication style of the “Ol’ Yellers” would be very appealing to my grandmother, who was deaf and nearly blind, I find it annoying as heck. For me, the only value in this type of reportage is medicinal: when I feel my blood pressure drop, I can turn on * * * “News” for a reviving shot of angry adrenaline and heart-pumping fear.

Is it just me or should facts, respectful questioning of guests and non-emotional presentation be a part of reporting?

Once again The Onion, provides a bit of fun in this great bit of financial reporting…