AudioScrobbler Part I

Part I: Build your profile

We are going to create and analyze a network representing songs that each of you listen to in using your iPod or in iTunes. We will use the a tool called AudioScrobbler to keep track of your listening habits. Follow the following steps:

1. Pick up your iPod and install iTunes on a computer
2. Sign up for an account on last.fm. Pick a username that is reasonably obscure if you would like some anonymity.
3. Add yourself to the CompSci 1 group
4. Download a plugin for iTunes
5. Start listening to music, podcasts, or interesting public radio shows about CS using iTunes and your iPod.

Your task is to listen to music that best characterizes your tastes. These songs will be used to determine people with similar musical interests to you. You will need to listen to music at least 15 different songs on either your iPod or your computer this week. Ideally, you should listen to a lot more songs, since you will need ot listen to at least 300 within the next few weeks. You do not have to listen to an entire songs.. As you sync your iPod to your computer that has the AudioScrobbler plugin, your recently played tracks should be uploaded to the last.fm site. Check your profile page to see if your tracks are displayed. It sometimes takes a few days for the tracks to show up. See the help pages for more information.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is your last.fm id?
2. Approximately how many distinct tracks did you listen to this week that will be uploaded to last.fm?
3. What do you think will be the most popular track for the CompSci 1 group this week?
4. Who do you think will be the most popular artist for the CompSci 1 group this week?
5. Do you think our group's charts will have much in common with the overall top charts?
6. How does the system determine which songs that you have played on your iPod recently?