I moderate a forum ("Yahoo Group", technically) dedicated to facilitating the trading of concert bootlegs from a particular band. Our group existed long before torrents and other such download methods were available (heck, we used to trade cassettes). Various distribution methods have been used over the years, and the changes were usually related to Quality Control. The copies in circulation (downstream) were only as good as the methods used upstream, and we were seeing errors whether due to poor technical knowledge, bad burning programs (Easy CD Creator, anyone?), cheap media, or whatever. Now, I realize that audio CDs are more susceptible to errors being introduced via copying than DVDs are. But still, problems can arise. If they arise early in the chain, then the problems are compounded.
It got to the point that we began sending out master discs for people to copy for themselves and then pass on to the next person. Yes, it was slow, but everyone was happy with the results. And with multiple recordings in circulation, there were plenty to go around. For DVDs the master disc sometimes only contains an ISO image file so that one would be less inclined to keep the disc for himself and also to increase the chance of a perfect copy. But I digress....
Personally, I haven't figured out yet how I will obtain a copy of this one. I've got a slow internet connection, so a download is unlikely. I've engaged in some private 1:1 trading with OT.com members, and that has worked well. Or maybe I'll sign up for a PIF chain. Whatever the case, I like the idea of verifying if my copy is faithful to what Adywan originally distributes. The best way to do this is with an MD5 checksum. Some DVDs I've received have the checksum file included in an EXTRAS folder on the DVD itself. For other DVDs, the author has made the MD5 available somewhere online to snag and utilize for verification.
Adywan, will you be creating MD5 checksums for the contents of this DVD? It's quite simple if you've never done so before. I could give you tips if you are interested. Also, I could answer some distribution-related questions if you've got some. Feel free to PM me.
Thanks for all your hard work.