When Napster was at the height of its popularity, I believe that year over year CD sales were up 12-20%. Since the RIAA started attacking file-sharers, culminating with its award winning "sue your customers!" campaign, music sales have plummeted, down year over year every year since the RIAA killed off napster. The Denver Post articulately explains the recording industry's stupidity when viewed against the movie industry's success.
Posted by Dick at September 15, 2003 09:09 AM | TrackBackHi Dick,
I was trying to find your contact info when I ran across your blog. Interestingly enough, I had just written a letter to the editor of the Globe and Mail sharing similar ideas. Can you please write me back or call me at 416-861-5220. I need your contact info for a job reference.
But more interestingly, here's the letter:
Dear Editor,
The music industry wants us believe that they are suing twelve-year-olds and geriatrics to protect the property of the artists they represent. But by spending all their time with their lawyers and none of it with their customers, the labels tipped their hand: they're too preoccupied with their own survival to serve the best interests of artists.
They've known for years that consumers would happily pay for music online. But while online sales would have stemmed the losses for artists, it would/will become the grim reaper for the labels.
In a time when people commonly have triple-digit cable bills, online gaming at $15 a month and pay for cell phone trivia games, I find it hard to believe that the music industry hasn't found any way for artists to make a buck. The artists should consider a class action suit against their labels for having spent the entire digital revolution staring down their pants.
Thom
Posted by: Thom Hounsell at September 15, 2003 09:42 AMHey Thom ... nice to hear from you.
With respect to the RIAA action, I know from personal experience that I have been much less enthusiatic about "music" in general since file-sharing has become less widespread and more like a speakeasy. In the heyday of Napster, I could find just about anything, and that would often cause me to go out and buy a CD or two from a band that I clicked with. Now, it's just hard to get too enthusiatic, and there are so few mediums (media?) to get exposed to new music -- certainly isn't radio!
So, I guess what I'm saying is: thanks a lot, RIAA, for robbing me of one of my passions. I'm too pissed off now by your actions to want to give you any money. The artists should set up PayPal accounts -- I'd much rather pay 'em directly.
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