Tape/CDR/Video Trees: A Brief Guide
by dcat and Linda B.

1. 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. The  assistance of others is then sought. These others are called  "branches". There are also folks who help by providing the original source material being treed, inserts for the tape/CDR/video, etc.

2. What does a branch do?

A branch commits to duplicating a certain number of copies of the  tape/CDR/video for others. Of course, this means that the branch  has the equipment necessary to make copies, i.e. a dual tape deck, a  CDR burner, or two video player/recorders.

3. How does the tree begin?

The person organizing the tree (the "administrator") makes a public  announcement stating what is being offered, along with any  specifications (how to sign up, how long the tree is "open", etc.).  Those who register to receive a copy are called "leaves". The  administrator collects the names of the "leaves" (and branches, who  may also be recruited at the same time), along with their e-mail  addresses and their locations (state/country).

4. How does everyone receive their copy?

The administrator (or source person, i.e. the "seed") makes copies  of the tape/CDR/video for the branches. The branches then make  copies for the leaves. Leaves don't make copies for anyone. Once  the tree closes, 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 (tape/CDR/video), plus postage for its return, to the  person supplying their copy. Some choose to set up a private trade  rather than sending blanks.

5. How long does all this take?

A tree can be months 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

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.

This information has been supplied by "The Big Music" Waterboys tree, and was originally sourced from The Van Morrison Website

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