From: “WAYNE LARSON”
Subject: JBJ on mp3???
Jim or Ralph???
A year or two ago someone brought up the notion of moving Jim’s taped material to mp3. Did that ever get off the ground? Seems like if there was an easy way to do it (beats me), it seems now would be the time — with so many folks buying up mp3 players. Anybody?
wl
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 11:58:53 +0900
From: “Ralph A. Smith”
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
I have been putting Jim’s lectures onto MP3 little by little and will continue to do so. There are problems. For one thing, the voice volume is not consistent on the tape cassettes. One cassette is louder than another or one side of the cassette is louder than the other. Also, on many of the cassettes, there is a portion that is repeated when you turn the cassette over. All of this means that each lecture needs to be edited, which becomes a time consuming business. Simply turning on the tape cassette and recording it into the computer, then converting the AIFF file into MP3 is time consuming enough. But I am continuing to work on this.
Jim is not a technological wizard — yet. He has not bothered to buy an MP3 recorder for himself and a good mike that allows him to record directly into MP3 format, copy the lectures onto his computer and burn CDs in less than a minute. Jim could make one copy of the whole BH conference on a CD that included labeling information for each lecture, etc. in less than one minute and the postage costs would be far less than for tape cassettes. He would save time, have higher quality material, and have lower costs. (I sent Jim the full set of lectures on 1&2 Samuel as MP3 files on CD.)
Why doesn’t he do it? Because he has invested heavily in the tape cassette industry and he is working to keep his stock profile afloat. This is the dirty secret behind the lack of technology in BH land. We could have Jordan doing lectures that are put on camera and placed on the BH site for viewing by pay. We could have all the BH materials available for download directly — pay and download. Jim would spend no time at all recording, no time at the post office. All he would have to do is rake in the dough.
But, his cassette stocks would plummet. He is invested too heavily in the cassette business to quit.
There, Wayne, you have the sad truth of the matter.
Ralph
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 22:43:53 -0600
From: Douglas Jordan
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Some are already on mp3 at wordmp3.com. Unfortunately, the files are at 16kbps, which IMAO is too low. At least 32kbps is needed, preferably 64kbps.
Ralph, how have you been solving the audio level problem? I tried to tackle it a while ago using dynamic range compression, but the problem is that drc is designed to make loud audio quieter, and my problem is that the loud levels are fine and the quiet stuff needs a boost. I solved this by running range compression across the file to make all the louds as quiet as the quiet stuff, then boosting the volume across the entire file. The problem is that this adds a lot of hiss/distortion to parts that were previously relatively distortion free — when I made all the loud parts quieter, the background hiss within them remained at the same level. Then when I boosted all the volume, this background hiss got boosted as well. So anyway, I don’t have a decent solution.
What we really need is for everyone to double their giving to BH so Dad could study/write full time and have an assistant to put together all the orders and do all the technology stuff. Or, alternatively, we could all just go out and each find a few more people to add to the list. I wonder what would happen if each of us strove to get at least one new BHian this year. . .
Doug
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:02:29 +0900
From: “Ralph A. Smith”
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
On Feb 11, 2005, at 1:43 PM, Douglas Jordan wrote:
Some are already on mp3 at wordmp3.com. Unfortunately, the files are at 16kbps, which IMAO is too low. At least 32kbps is needed, preferably 64kbps.
Yes, I think 64 or higher. Really 80 or 90 is very good for listening and it does not take up so much space that it is prohibitive. Just no good for downloading.
Ralph, how have you been solving the audio level problem?
I am using a Mac. I have PEAK, the Macintosh sound software for music, etc. I can do anything I want. I can even make Jim speak backwards (which I did on a few lectures and learned about his involvement in the death of the real Paul McCartney as well as the cassette business). The problem for me is that it all simply takes too much time.
I am getting a G5 as soon as I can. Dual CPU 2.5 ghz. It will scream. I won’t have to sit around and wait for a minute or two every time I push the save button, etc.
What we really need is for everyone to double their giving to BH so Dad could study/write full time and have an assistant to put together all the orders and do all the technology stuff. Or, alternatively, we could all just go out and each find a few more people to add to the list. I wonder what would happen if each of us strove to get at least one new BHian this year. . .
We also need to get someone like yourself who is technologically sophisticated to get a simply mp3 recorder and a decent mic for your father. There are various mp3 recorder options. I am looking at a new one that will cost only about $100, but I am not sure it will give me the quality I want. There are various things out there. Some of them allow you to record at 80 or 90 kbs. The file created is an mp3 file that can be copied directly into a computer and then burned directly onto a CD.
At least this way, the stuff that Jim does from now on would 1) be recorded in a stabler longer lasting form; 2) be easier to copy and sell; 3) be easier to store; 4) easier to label and manage; and 5) be better quality.
Start with this, Doug, and you could save your father an incredible amount of time. Teaching him to download the files onto a computer is easy (plug recorder into the UBS port and the disk appears on the desktop, drag and drop the lecture file). If it is difficult on his computer, buy him a mac. He could actually carry his mac around with him and record onto it directly — which is what I do.
Ralph
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 08:37:25 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Jim is not a technological wizard — yet. He has not bothered to buy an MP3 recorder for himself and a good mike that allows him to record directly into MP3 format, copy the lectures onto his computer and burn CDs in less than a minute.
I will put up the first $50 to buy him an MP3 recorder of your suggestion, Ralph. Any others?
Burke
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:39:39 -0500
From: “Robbie Peele”
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Count me in!
Robbie Peele
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 08:39:51 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Start with this, Doug, and you could save your father an incredible amount of time. Teaching him to download the files onto a computer is easy (plug recorder into the UBS port and the disk appears on the desktop, drag and drop the lecture file). If it is difficult on his computer, buy him a mac.
Yes, for only $499, and you can use your USB monitor and keyboard.
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 08:41:54 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
That’s $100 so far. Anybody else?
Father Bucks
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 08:45:19 -0600
From: “James B. Jordan”
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Buy me all you want. I don’t have time to fool with this. At all. Even if everyone else does the work. I only get 2–3 days per month to read and write as it is, and I’m not going to add anything more onto the catalogue and order-processing end of things. Sorry. Unless BH giving ups by about $1000 per month (see current mailing, to be sent out Monday), and I can get an office assistant, nothing is going to change.
JBJ
James B. Jordan
Director, Biblical Horizons
Box 1096
Niceville, FL 32578
http://www.biblicalhorizons.com
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 08:53:29 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Buy me all you want. I don’t have time to fool with this. At all. Even if everyone else does the work. I only get 2-3 days per month to read and write as it is, and I’m not going to add anything more onto the catalogue and order-processing end of things. Sorry. Unless BH giving ups by about $1000 per month (see current mailing, to be sent out Monday), and I can get an office assistant, nothing is going to change.
JBJ
Ok, everyone, especially you psychological types on the list. This sounds like a “cry” of distress; Jim has real needs, very felt needs, and we must all band together to support and affirm him. He’s definitely feeling fragile this morning.
Any suggestions?
Father Affirm
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 10:19:00 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
From: Scott Linn
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Greetings,
Ok, everyone, especially you psychological types on the list. This sounds like a “cry” of distress; Jim has real needs, very felt needs, and we must all band together to support and affirm him. He’s definitely feeling fragile this morning.
Any suggestions?
I’m sending out a cyber-hug.
Scott Linn
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:42:31 -0600
From: Douglas Jordan
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
On Fri, 11 Feb 2005 08:53:29 -0600, burke wrote:
Ok, everyone, especially you psychological types on the list.
Psychological types? Something about this reminds me of James 2:16. . . He doesn’t need a hug, he needs CASH!
So all you monetarily-endowed types on the list, pay attention... =)
Doug the Cynic
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:46:09 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
He has what is necessary for his body; I’ve seen all his Rush Limbaugh ties!
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:51:45 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
I’m sending out a cyber-hug.
Good, good. This is very kind, sweet, and, good of you. Now, after the hug, which is very affirming, of course, what else do suggest? How else could you show your appreciation of Jim?
Now, Doug has suggested CASH. Probably too cold, though, and way too impersonal. But maybe PayPal could work, or a VISA donation. Or something you don’t want to leave home without, something that can express your love and appreciation even beyond your ability to pay, maybe? That would be kind, personal, and affirming.
What do you think?
Father Affirmation
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:56:48 -0600
From: Douglas Jordan
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Well, I realize my earlier response was a bit flippant and this situation deserves a more Ephesians 4:29ish response. So then, here is the “need of the moment:”
Tuesday is the next trip to Russia. I’m guessing, then, that this entire weekend will be spent in a rush to get about a billion things done before departure as well as get this mailing sent before Tuesday. There’s probably a bit of added anticipation about the billion things that will need to be done instantly upon return.
The discouraging thing is that probably most of the things that need to get done are unskilled work that could easily be done or helped by someone else.
Doug
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 10:00:11 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Fwd: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Hey Jim,
Couple of ideas. How about an intern, that comes for a month or two, that you only provide room and board for? College girl or guy. Someone who could “touch” all the archives, but would also get you over the hump? That wouldn’t cost a $1000 per month. Maybe someone on the list has an older child in college or between that could come for a month or two this summer to help you out?
Or, maybe instead of going to the beach during the conference, we could all come over and help you catch up in the afternoons? Maybe your short-term intern could put one or two people to work everyday, in the afternoons.
Or, if just 20 people would give you $50 a month, you’d have your $1000/month. Or 40 give $25/month. I could do that. That’s $300/ year.
Some ideas.
Burke
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 16:01:24 -0000
From: Scott Linn
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Greetings,
How else could you show your appreciation of Jim?
I just set up a recurring contribution from my online banking account. It’s pretty puny, but it’s something.
Scott Linn
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 10:15:58 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Most excellent. You will receive a BH lapel pin upon the arrival of the first contribution!
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 23:35:09 -0500
From: “John Heaton”
Subject: RE: Re: JBJ on mp3???
BHer’s,
I’ve read the last few posts regarding technology, etc. and, while the posts are fairly glib regarding MP3’s, I understand Jim’s point — a 1000 bucks a month would go a long way to doing something about it. I would suggest that we actually think about this. Face it, JBJ changed my life. Because of it, I support BH, and, with a little more information, a plan of attack, and a specific goal, I would UP my support in a heartbeat.
I contribute to BH to support the work (and to stay on this list), but I have often wished that BH had a “Friends of BH” organized and dedicated to raising money from the few of us who are so benefited by this list and Jim’s ministry. I have NO IDEA of the details of that *end* of BH, but if Jim and those closer were to put some form on the idea, I for one could/would give more.
I’ve been in 501 (c) 3 parachurch (school) work for a decade now. I’ve raised four million bucks to build my own school by God’s grace, and, as far as I’m concerned, what I do doesn’t compare in the least with what he does. I think I know *something* about how stuff like this (fundraising) works. I know how hard it is, especially if you’re an *idea* guy. So face it, if FV/AAT/and anything and everything else we advocate is to be heard, we need to step up and put up. Some time back JJM advocated a printed journal. Where is it? and Why not? (no slam Jeff — these are things I would like to see and to which I would contribute. But, they take champions to make them happen.)
Over the years I’ve strained to listen to HOURS of cruddy BH tapes of conferences I couldn’t attend wishing like h___ that Jim had some better recording equipment. It’s just not that difficult. I also know as the Head of a school in an operation of medium sophistication, that suggestions without real wheels is maddening to a busy man of ideas.
JBJ ain’t getting any younger. His thoughts, and those of the incomparable Meyers, Bledsoe, Horne, Leithart, and yes, even BURKE, not to mention Lusk, Barach, Wilkins, Garver and all of you guys who are WAY OUTTA MY LEAGUE are worth recording in MP3 FORMAT for preservation and distribution. At the least, decent tapes of BH Conferences should be a project of THIS LIST. PERIOD. Jim can’t do it alone, but I gotta believe there’s enough talent and $$ on the list to make it happen.
So Jim, I’ve had a chance to get it off my chest. I’ve been waiting to say this for a Loooooong time.
We love you man. You can’t have my BUD, but wow can *WE* give”?
John Heaton, Headmaster
New Covenant Schools
122 Fleetwood Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
434.847.8313
www.newcovenantschools.org
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 21:06:54 +0900
From: “Ralph A. Smith”
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
This is just an idea and it may be a bad one, so please take this suggestion with a grain or two of salt or a liter of two of beer.
It occurred to me that we could make the BH list a pay-for-membership list. Perhaps something like this:
Platinum member: $100 per month
Gold member: $75 per month
Silver member: $50 per month
Peon Member: $25 per month
Student Member: ?????????????
In other words, student members are left up to Jim’s discretion. The others pay a monthly fee to be members of the BH mailing list. Of course, Jim could make exceptions for others as he pleases since some members contribute so much that their financial contributions would be less than their substantive input (Joel, for example).
This is just a suggestion and it is partially dictated by my own situation. When I pay for a service, it is OK with the Japanese government. If I just donate, I am in trouble. I cannot do it. But for you all, paying for a service like be a member of the BH list should be tax deductible, I think. That would help most of you, too.
Just a thought,
Ralph
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 08:58:24 EST
From: Leithart@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
In a message dated 2/12/2005 4:08:27 AM Pacific Standard Time, ras@berith.org writes:
Platinum member: $100 per month
Gold member: $75 per month
Silver member: $50 per month
Peon Member: $25 per month
C’mon. If it’s gonna be BH, it’s gotta be gold, silver, bronze and iron.
Peter
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 09:39:58 -0500
From: Scott Linn
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Greetings,
Cheapskate that I am, I’ll be in clay.
Scott Linn
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 10:33:31 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Ralph,
Thanks a lot. I offer to start giving Jim $25/month, and then you call me a “peon” by making that amount of giving the “Peon member” classification. You’re ruining my reputation, dissing me.
Your lowly friend,
peon
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 10:35:00 -0600
From: burke
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Yes, and “clay” can be for students!
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 11:17:18 -0700
From: “Tim Gallant”
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
C’mon. If it’s gonna be BH, it’s gotta be gold, silver, bronze and iron.
Well, that beats gold, silver, wood, hay, and stubble. . . .
tg
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 05:40:45 +0900
From: “Ralph A. Smith”
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Sorry, Burke, I didn’t even make the connection with your email and certainly didn’t mean to suggest that anyone should pee on you.
Apologies,
Ralph
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 16:54:53 EST
From: edencity@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: JBJ on mp3???
Gents and Mesdames:
I’m thinking for your consideration that somewhere amongst the members of the various congregations pastored by BH Forum members are marketing and business people whose expertise would be invaluable.
Pax Christi,
Chuck, unworthy servant
