This has been done to death. I am aware of that. The crux of this message, and the reason for the post is that I don’t want to go to the dark side - I really don’t.
Let me preface by telling you that I am a musician, artist and graphic designer/web developer. I stand to succeed or fail based on talent, perception and distribution.
I have never downloaded one song, one software package, one movie or anything else that I have not purchased or obtained legally. Even though I am VERY well versed in technology to the extent that I could have started doing this many (many!) years ago, I have chosen to wait and see how the media companies handle it (RIAA and MPAA). They have NOT responded well at all (RIAA in particular) and I will not suffer those fools for much longer. They have failed at an alarming rate.
Essentially, for the music industry, it comes down to this : The artists need to get the lion’s share of the profits. The distribution channel and the record company (if there is one involved – at this point anyone with a laptop and a digital audio interface can make music indistinguishable from the ‘machine’) should each get equal parts of what remains. Oh and one more thing – the prices will change dramatically or piracy will increase.
RIAA, you are bleeding out. Take the help we are offering you or prepare your Last Will and Testament, because your next stop is the morgue.
The MPAA has a bit more time – but they need to learn the lessons that the RIAA did not. This is how their ‘suits’ will survive, albeit in an altered state than the previous comfort that had been afforded to them. Research, execute the necessary changes, adapt and deliver. Don’t screw it up.
It’s ok to make mistakes along the way to repair. Just keep in mind - blatant disregard for the new organic revolution of public distribution and user defined experience is a mortal wound from which you may not recover. Just check with your friend the RIAA, but get to them fast. The last rites have been read, and they will not survive for long.
Next on the revolution hitlist? ‘Professional’ sports. Overrated, over-doped (thus the overrated) and over-priced. Welcome to your overhaul, athletic-mega-corps!
