Blogcritics: Comments on Another Voice Says Recording Industry Stupid

Comment by BJ

Tue, 8 Jul 2003 14:11:17 EDT

The problem here is that the rationing of revenue (to artists, labels, stores, etc.) that makes sense with physical distribution doesn't make sense with electronic distribution. And, of course, the recording companies know that, so they're trying to game the legislatures and courts to preserve their stake. With reasonably priced online sales, the artists would still get paid - they're the only indispensible people here - but the distributors' share has to come down. In a world where recording and distribution costs are so low, the share labels get should be much lower. In general, I think it will reflect the value they bring in promotion - since that's about the only thing they still bring to the table. I wonder how long it'll be before they haul someone like Tom into court and really regret it.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Mon, 7 Jul 2003 15:18:33 EDT

Yes, Jim, hint hint. On the serious side, good PR is ultimately good customer relations, something they lost utterly somewhere over the last 20 years.

Comment by Mark Saleski

Mon, 7 Jul 2003 15:12:44 EDT

i've always wondered the same thing. ...and you never hear it mentioned in any mainstream media. big surprise.

Comment by Jim S

Mon, 7 Jul 2003 15:06:56 EDT

exactly what I've been saying for years,Tom..... Eric, Ilove the subtle PR hints!

Comment by Tom Johnson

Mon, 7 Jul 2003 14:10:15 EDT

This issue makes me wonder what the RIAA would say if they were to drag me into court for the - literally - couple dozen mp3 files I have on my computer, and then I pull out the CDs I bought because of them. Maybe I'm one of the few, but I've used mp3s for years to test out artists I'm curious about. If I liked 'em enough, I went and bought the discs. If not, I deleted them and forgot about them. I don't know what the plan is or how the RIAA will accomplish finding downloaders, but I would really like to see someone show up in court with their CD collection, which gives them the right to have those mp3s in the first place . . .