Return To 12/95 Prototype Edition Index
In the beginning
In 1982 I was a partner in a record and video shop. We stocked a comprehensive catalogue of Golden Oldie records. Customers often enquired if I knew where a group or artist was now and in most cases I didn't have a clue!
At the time I felt it was remarkable that there was no reference publication available. A few years later I decided to buy a computer so that I would be able to list my collection of records. As a DJ that information would be useful. This was the conception of my current computer program.
Initially I figured that data would be converted into a book so I worked on that idea for a couple of years. As a computer enthusiast, I read with interest of the up-and-coming CD ROM technology that was gathering popularity. With every new article I read, he potential of CD ROM became more and more fascinating and I decided that CD was the best medium for my data.
An article written about my project appeared in the CD-ROM World magazine a few years ago, explaining how I had managed to enlist the help of a major CD ROM production company to fund and distribute the program.
When Robert Maxwell died he was a key shareholder of Nimbus Records, and they had to had to reorganise the management and finance of the company. This took precedence over my projects. The year following the re-organisation, the telephone calls I made for a progress report on a start date for my program were not encouraging.
Twelve months later I decided to retrieve my data and information. Over the years a few companies and individuals have promised to take on the project but actually did nothing.
Clearly, there is a market for the information available within my program. I have researched my data from over 50 books, 200 magazines, papers and libraries. The Guinness Publishing company have released a set of books on pop artists, which costs £225.
Looking-up the names of rock stars, their date of birth or where they were born in book-form is a time consuming process. You need to decide which volume to look in, then you have to scan the pages. On the other hand, using the superb search facilities offered by my computer program you can find the information you want within seconds.
The market potential for this program is world-wide with artists from more than 10 countries being represented including Britain, USA, France, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Spain, Jamaica, and Australia. Potential users include schools, libraries, record shops, newspaper offices, radio stations and pop music lovers everywhere!
The music industry is an ever changing medium that, is why this program is not just a one off, the updates and enhancements to later releases make it very exciting.
At this point I feel I should explain what is already available within my database. There are two main databases: the Artist and Discography...
I said earlier that there are two databases. I have, in fact, created two more. As I progressed with my research it was logical to include other facts as they appeared. They are Children and Married - very interesting areas which will added to as details become known.
My database currently covers the early 1950s to the end of 1992 and includes all artists that have reached the top 40 in the popular music charts, regardless of their nationality.
The possibilities to enrich every area of data is endless, as I add data I think of new ideas all the time.
As I mentioned, the appeal for the program is global. There are a number of European firms who have expressed a keen interest in my project. One such company is Le CDIATECH , based in Montrouge France.
I am very positive for the appeal of the program and the sales that are achievable. My aim is to develop the program into the Definitive A-Z of Pop Artists on CD ROM for the music industry and home market.
Mike Wild, PC specialist and music enthusiast, has, for the last 8 years poured every available spare penny into his ARTIFACTS music CD ROM project. He has blown a cool £10,000 (Sterling,) gathering his unique pool of information. Frequently burning the midnight oil he has spent thousands of man hours entering masses of data into his database, so that it can be transformed into a fun yet extremely knowledge packed CD ROM publication. Return To Text
The CDITECH publication is a multimedia periodical distributed through the PC and microcomputer sales channels, already supplying multimedia applications and/or equipment at no charge to the end user. Return To Text
