Tape/CDR/Video Trees: A Brief Guide
What is a tree?
A tree is the organized cooperation of numerous people all over the world for the purpose of receiving and passing along some item such as a tape, a CDR, or a video. The tree originates when an individual (or group) decides to publicly share something of interest with other fans--a pure gesture of kindness.
What does a branch do?
A branch commits to duplicating a certain number of copies of the item being treed for others. Of course, this means that the branch has the equipment necessary to make copies, i.e. two tape decks, a CDR burner, or two video player/recorders.
How does everyone receive their copy?
The administrator (or others) makes copies of the item for the branches. The branches then make copies for the leaves. Leaves don't make copies for anyone. The administrator determines which branches will be connected to which leaves, i.e. who will make copies for whom (this is the tree "structure"). Everyone is responsible for mailing their own blank media, plus postage for its return, to the person supplying their copy. Some choose to set up a private trade rather than sending blanks.
How long does all this take?
A tree can be weeks in planning and finishing. The time involved includes organizing the tree, sending numerous e-mails back and forth, mailing blanks, copying, returning copies, etc. The most important thing to keep in mind if participating in a tree:
BE PATIENT - it is well worth the wait!
GLOSSARY
TREE
An organized cooperative with the purpose of sharing music in the form of DAT tape, analog tape, video tape, or, more recently, CDR. A tree is usually comprised of the following:
seed; administrator; branches; leaves
**Note: the administrator is not necessarily the seed.
ADMINISTRATOR
The individual/s responsible for the organizational aspect of the tree. The administrator makes all relevant public announcements (posts) concerning the tree, collects and collates all pertinent information from branches and leaves, and determines and issues the final 'structure'. The administrator is usually the one to contact regarding any problems you may encounter. Decisions of administrators are final.
SEED (or Source)
May refer to an individual or an item. In the case of an individual, the seed is simply a generous fellow fan willing to share the wealth of music. In the case of an item, the seed refers to the original item (tape or CDR) from which branch copies are made. In the case of an individual, a seed often wishes to remain anonymous.
BRANCH
An individual with the capability to copy the particular media being offered, who volunteers to share the work of copying for leaves. Most branches commit to handling anywhere from 5 to 10 leaves, though cases vary.
LEAF
An individual who wishes to receive a copy of the item being treed, but cannot (for whatever reason) copy for others.
STRUCTURE
A list of names and email addresses that may be publicly announced (posted) or handled privately. The structure lets everyone know whom to contact in order to receive their copy of the item being treed. Simply put, the structure says 'who copies for whom'.
B&P (Blanks and postage)
On a tree, everyone is responsible for providing their own blank media and sufficient postage to have it returned to them. For example, if the tree is offering a 90 minute tape, everyone involved, branches and leaves, will supply their own blank 90 minute tape *and* a self addressed, postage paid, return mailer (sort of a SASE for trees). When participating in a tree, always be certain that you have supplied enough return postage in the form of stamps. Postal meters dated more than a day or two ahead of actual mailing date are not accepted by the post office and will result in your branch/source having to cover your postage cost in order to get your copy to you.
**Note: In the likely event that participants are in different countries, trading is always encouraged.
On behalf of all the dedicated "tree-people" out there, devoted music fans who put countless hours of volunteer time and boundless energy into producing and sharing these rare live performances: please respect the stated policy of these endeavors:
Do not offer any of this music for sale!
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