Ask Doktor Dave

Ask Doktor Dave

Feburary 2010
Hey look! We got summa them dang ol’ questions, I tell ya whut…

JM asks: Why is there no year zero?

Doktor Dave answers: There’s a lot argument over semantics about how our calendars are a year off because year counting started at year 1, not zero.

My perspective, simply stated, is that time is relative. The beginning of recorded time is arbitrary…somebody decided we needed to mark time, and then just started it.

There is no year zero, because “zero”  =  nothing. Zero is simply a reference point. Further, the time span we’ve defined as a year is the same whether you name the starting point “one” or “zero”…or “blue”.

The controversy is moot because society as a whole has accepted a calendar that starts at what’s labeled as “year one”.

Incidentally, year one is based on when it is largely believed to be the birth of Christ…Anno Domini. In reference to that definition, any time prior to the birth of Christ is called “Before Christ”. Lately, you may have heard “BCE” used instead of “BC”. It stands for “Before Common/Christian Era” and is just another label.

CB asks: How much should I pay for a studio musician?

Doktor Dave answers: Basically, whatever they charge you.

First, let’s define a studio musician as someone that is not part of your band and does not perform regularly with you.

Initially, you have to decide what their contribution is worth to you and how much you’re willing to pay for it. Ask what it would cost for their services, and then you can negotiate…but be realistic.

Thanks for the questions and comments rolling in…keep ‘em coming!

>Doktor Dave<