The RIAA does not get it.. Head in the sand

[RedjackRyan]

LOS ANGELES — Nearly a year after the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling against online music file-sharing services, the CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America says unauthorized song swapping has been "contained."

"The problem has not been eliminated," says association CEO Mitch Bainwol. "But we believe digital downloads have emerged into a growing, thriving business, and file-trading is flat."

That's an optimistic view from an industry that saw its numbers slide to near oblivion after the launch of the original Napster in 1999. CD sales fell as much as 30%, and the RIAA pressed Congress and the courts for relief against what it said was rampant piracy.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/services/2006-06-12-riaa_x.htm?csp=34

[DaveM]

I miss the old Napster....was delightful to be able to give unfamiliar albums a "listen" before buying them. And when I enjoyed them, you can bet I went out and bought the real thing--no MP3 can ever match the quality of a professionally-produced CD. And neither can beat vinyl, of course....but that's for another topic.

[DaveM]

Perhaps some people think differently, but when I hear an album or see a movie or a performance that especially moves me, I'm GLAD I spent the money required, and HOPE that some part of it goes into the artist's pocket. It's interesting to imagine that perhaps Janis or (insert artist of your choice here) can have an ice cream cone or buy a candy bar because I liked their work and thought it worthy of payment.

A professional artist is a professional first and foremost, but art is unlike any of the other professions in its spiritual and emotional commitment. And whenever an artist gets a quarter or whatever amount out of what I paid to see or hear him or her....I do hope it is spent on something very special.

Remember folks, sales are a form of applause, too....