Copyright Fees
This is a pretty interesting article.This particular solution to the music-sharing dilemma can never happen in the U.S.. Americans would rather fight a terrible war (and have) than endure new forms of taxation and fees. But if it starts to work in Japan, you can bet we'll start hearing about it here.
My thoughts on this issue are fairly negative. I've seen an episode of Cribs before, so I don't have a lot of sympathy. The really popular performers on that show make some serious bank.
In either case, if it were JUST about the livelihood of the musicians, I'm sure no one would really care except the unions. This is really an issue because it effects the bottom line of record companies, distributors, and price gougers like Ticketmaster. Not to mention the lucrative marketing rights with companies like Coor Light and Pepsi.
Why NOT allow the music industry to become smaller and more diverse? I can envision a world where live music in every major city has it's own distinct flavor and culture. Tourists woudl travel from city to city just to hear what the local bands are doing next, or maybe following a peformer who travels to each city in turn. In my ideal scenario, musicians are more like traveling bards and part-time locals, playing for their supper and making a few coins at the local bar.
You're a performer, for pete's sake. . . not a rocket engineer. Artsistic expression is great, but isn't supposed to buy you a mansion. If you don't like it, get a real job.
posted by Chris W. @ 10:40 AM
