first, there was the insult of the encoded digital rights management included on certain CD's. Humans, especially consumers, cannot be trusted and MUST be punished, even pre-emptively.
then, the recent ruling on the Atlantic VS. Howell case explain that buying a cd is okay. ripping the music off of it to put onto your IPod or other personal listening device isn't. CD's MUST be listened to in your CD player only. MP3 files must be additionally purchased, elsewhere. you have then effectively bought the licence to listen to someone else's music, twice. Listening to your CD in someone else's car (with them present) is also in violation of the licence you purchased to listen to someone else's music. to be legal, you MUST listen to this music alone.
the voice in my head that asks, "well, don't artists deserve to get paid?" says, yes. of course. they signed a deal that made them instant stars, with all of the trappings. the artist is afforded a lifetime of luxury due to their work and creative skills. but they aren't making any money. they wouldn't make any money even if their record hadn't been traded or shared even once.
the recording industry is dead, but it doesn't know it yet. with easy and cheap access to top-quality home studio stuff, artists don't need to spend a thousand dollars an hour to record in a big, beautiful studio. there isn't any rush to get as much stuff in as you can. a home-recording, when shared with friends and fans, can, with care, show the same kind of internal love and harmony that shows up in other self-produced goods. Artists can network and get the music to those who are interested. all that is left now, is to watch while the shark tank of lawyers do their very best to hold on to the massive retainers paid by the RIAA, by attacking the consumers of their product. correction: the consumers of their product licenses.
i imagine that it's entirely possible that the entire major label recording industry will collapse before the beautiful boy makes his first vote for president. and it can't come soon enough. let's replace the old model with one that takes into consideration that which should have been considered all along: a respectful business partnership with the consumer.
3 comments:
Green Day has a song called "She's A Rebel" ~ Today I listened to the CDs Mary gave me, with the windows down, to ensure everyone I passed by heard the love ♥
~ me, the Geek and the Rebel all in one cute package ;)
And all the more reason you will LOVE American Gods!
Right on brother! And may I say that the intriguing, lo-fi recordings of a certain Wumpus have been receiving a mighty spin these past few months here at furrowedbrowsmile central. Of course, as with all music I listen to, I bow to your greatness for allowing me the pleasure each and every time I enter a friend’s vehicle and slot it into their player.
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