I am posting this in the Slackware subforum since I know there are quite a few academics here, and it would good if someone were involved who used the same distro as me [though this is not necessary by any stretch, it's just a personal preference]. Mods: if this isn't the right place for this request, please move it as you see fit.

After a meeting with my secondary supervisor today, it's been advised that an academic [i.e. PhD level or above, I suppose] with knowledge of computer science be involved in, or at least take a look at, my PhD upgrade paper and final thesis. The topic addresses metal music in the Middle East, however, part of it involves computing and network theory. I should emphasize that this computing element is not scientific, moreover, it involves the philosophy of computer science [e.g. the work of people like Luciano Floridi, Manuel Castells, why people use computers/networks, ethics/methodologies that analyse computational systems etc]. The reason why my secondary mentioned this is that none of my PhD panel - all being members of the music faculty - know much about this area, and the computing element kind of crept into the research over time and wasn't part of my initial proposal. The reason why I am not appending this to the previous topic about Slackware in academia is because the two are quite separate as far as I am concerned, and I do not want it to look like I set this request up - it was no way intentional.

What would be involved is taking a broad look through the PhD upgrade document [12,000 words] and giving some general opinions on the computer related part[s] and then also, ideally, looking at the final thesis draft in 3-4 years' time. You do not have to know anything about metal music or Middle Eastern folk/classical music.

What can I offer in return - of course I will mention you in any upcoming publications [so you would have to be OK with being personally identifiable] as well as the final thesis which I am intending to publish in book format, and also being part of a [hopefully] interesting and exciting project that spans multiple academic disciplines and countries.

This is rather hands-off since it only involves taking a look at two documents over a number of years [though if you want to be part of it more, that's great]. It involves just a little reading and opinions from someone who thinks it will be interesting for them, likes the idea and who has the time.

I am curious.

I do know what you are speaking of. I.e. I even contributed to chapter in a textbook on philosophy of Informatics at some point of my life. (Russian only, but you can download for free.)

I will read your paper, and I can write a review, but I don't promise it will be a good review (well, it depends on the quality of the paper).

I am a PhD in computer science.

I'm currently working on my political science master's thesis, about social movements and global network society (the Castells' concept). I could have a look if you think that I could help.

Hi! I'm not a Ph.D in comp/sci, but I am in music composition. I did a crapload of ethnomusicology seminars, instead of the usual music theory, however. Middle eastern metal music sounds right up my alley, although my thing was Balinese music and computer music. I don't know how much help I'd be on the comp/sci parts of it, being entirely self-taught in Linux and programming (csound, LISP). But I'd be happy to take a look. I'm not currently working in academe, though, but I can give your advisor my CV, need be.

Thank you so much to the three of you, I'm very humbled and thankful for your responses.

Responded to your message - will send you something very shortly.

Ah that is very useful and interesting. It's not quite finished but will let you know when it is. Great that you're looking at Castells too. I might send it via email or a Google Docs link, not sure yet.

My master's was in ethnomusicology so there is a definite similarly there! When you say 'computer music', can you elaborate slightly? That's a very intriguing term and it's a term which I've utilised myself but maybe in a different context. Would love for you to have a look when the first draft is finished. Where did you obtain your PhD? You can put it in a PM if you don't want to say so here.

This is fantastic - good luck to all of you.

Cool! Computer music: using csound and LISP to write computer-generated music/sound synthesis. (I've also used common music and common LISP music. I'm currently learning puredata, because I really do need to learn something more capable for real-time synthesis.)

I got my Ph.D at the University of Washington in Seattle. (Go Huskies!)