Since last december I have been listening to books than reading. It makes my daily commute enjoyable. The last three books have been Steve Jobs, Art of Inception and Ghost in the Wires. That’s three books in one and half months, not bad. I used to listen to lot of podcasts while driving. I have reduced podcast listening and shifted to audio books.

I have a platinum account on Audible and I get 2 books for month in that plan. It works great except its DRMed and wont work on Linux. I need to figure out a way to export the audio so I can save them for later use. Audible allows backing up to the CDs through. CDs for heaven’s sake, who uses CDs anymore for backing up? And itunes is a PITA.

I am looking for good software which can undrm the books for me for my own personal usage. I found this list of tools but not sure yet. I would love to pay for the software. HELP.

This such a good example of DRM troubling god fearing, paying and non-pirate customer. All I want to do is backup what I have bought and it shouldnt be such a pain to a paid customer.

My reasons:

1. SOPA and PIPA are the worst laws that anybody can propose to stop piracy
2. They are actually anti-technology than anti-piracy
3. They break internet
4. Even though I am an India, It hurts me and my business
5. Internet is supposed to be international, not yet, it’s mostly controlled by USA
6. India has an habit of borrowing worst laws
7. In India we already have stupid lawyers and politicians who don’t get technology. I don’t want US laws to be an example for Indian law makers

Action:

1. If you are in USA, then call or mail your senator
2. Not in USA then petition the state department

Ever since I joined Mavrix, friends have asked me about the project that I am working on. I have given different versions. But now that MySwar is open to public, here is the almost definitive description “MySwar is the complete guide to Hindi film music. It lets you browse your favorite Hindi film albums and songs and get a treasure trove of information about them. It’s also got a great music recommendation feature. Rate songs you like and we’ll tell you what other songs you might like.”

As of now we have details of 4000+ albums, 22000+ songs and 3200+ artists. We have covered only hind movies from 1971 to 2011. I know, I know there are lots more to do. We need do 50s, 60s hindi films and we also need to do non film music. Well all I can say is its in progress.

Two best parts of the sites are Similar Songs suggestion using our internal recipe for each song. The recipe is not there yet. We are improving it almost on day today basis. But its worth showing off. Have a look and let me know what you feel.

MySwar Similar Songs

Next one is discover based on your likes and ratings. Rate the songs you like and MySwar will suggest you songs based on it. Again discover algorithm gets updated almost on daily basis.

Discover music on MySwar

It’s a standard LAMP stack, python and MongoDB in this case. I will probably write a detailed post on the technology and platform choices one day. Until then go ahead register for an account and enjoy. Of course suggestions are more than welcome.