When did you first use a computer? We got a Mac Classic II about six years ago. It wasn't until we got the website up and running shortly after that I really got into it. I've moved on to a G3 PowerBook though, strangely, I don't take it with me when I travel. I can never figure out how to get past the "dial 9" thing in hotels but also, I'd just sit up all night online! I usually just find internet cafes. That way I can keep it at arm's length.
Is having a web presence important to you? Absolutely. Particularly with the campaign to get Take Down The Union Jack to No 1. I'm talking with people on the site's forum every day. The net drives this campaign. We're sending e-cards to people, as we don't expect support from radio. I've looked at other artists' websites to see who's tried to step out of the traditional record industry way of disseminating information.
How do you feel about file-sharing software? Napster was a bit like radio - it's promotion! People who download some of your music and enjoy it will be encouraged to buy more and come to your gigs. I'm relaxed about it as it's happening anyway... There's no point chucking your rattle out of the pram! The first music I owned was tapes of the chart rundown from the radio and that didn't stop me from buying music.
Have you downloaded music? I haven't got time! People who have 3,000 MP3s on their computers: when do they find the time to listen to them? I like the "pirate-ness" of it all, though. I wish I'd had a DVD-drive in my Mac when I bought it. I only use a fragment of my computer's capabilities, but I've got a life!
How do you feel about the embedded anti-copying code in some new CDs? I own my copyrights and, in the end, you have to rely on the loyalty of your audience not to abuse copying... but people swap tapes and CDs.
Online voting? I'd still be concerned for the simple possibility of whether it could be tampered with. I've yet to be convinced that we should move from the ballot box. More government should be online. You should be able to access any department and communicate directly.
Microsoft: saint or sinner? Definitely sinner. I recently worked with Washtech, part of the communication workers' union in Seattle, and they're getting nowhere trying to organise in Microsoft. I try to avoid any contact with Microsoft - difficult as that is!
