Amira Sinclair
Technical Writing FL2025
Full paper coming soon - explore the sections below
Click any section to jump to that part of the research
From the first transistor radios to modern streaming devices, portable music technology has undergone a radical transformation. This section explores how we went from devices designed to be opened, modified, and repaired to sealed units designed for disposal.
[Full section coming soon - will include: transistor radios, boomboxes, Walkmans, CD players, MP3 players, and the shift to streaming]
The right-to-repair movement represents a growing resistance to planned obsolescence and corporate control over technology. From John Deere tractors to Apple devices, this section examines the legal and grassroots efforts to restore user agency.
[Includes: legislation updates, key court cases, repair café movements, and success stories]
Despite the dominance of streaming, physical media is experiencing a remarkable comeback. Vinyl sales, cassette culture, and CD collecting represent more than nostalgia—they're acts of resistance against algorithmic control.
[Covers: sales data, community aspects, sound quality debates, and ownership rights]
Artists and listeners alike are pushing back against streaming monopolies. This section analyzes the economic and artistic motivations behind the growing boycott movement.
[Details: artist payment structures, Neil Young protest, Bandcamp alternatives, and collective action]
Punk engineering applies DIY ethics to technology design, prioritizing user agency, repairability, and community over profit. This section presents both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.
A hands-on exploration of building your own MP3 player from scratch, demonstrating that complex technology can still be accessible and modifiable.
[Includes: parts list, build instructions, customization options, and community variations]
Creating independent web spaces represents another form of technological resistance. This project documents building a music blog outside corporate platforms.
[Features: web revival movement, HTML/CSS basics, hosting alternatives, and digital autonomy]