Yes, publishers have unfair advantage over the market. I certainly can't disagree with that.
But the artist does have a choice. They can choose to try to make it on their own without the industry. It's a MUCH more difficult way to make it but it is possible.
However, if the artist chooses to sign with the industry, why should anyone be allowed to sabotage their chances of success? Yes, file-sharing is a good way to challenge the industry but, when an artist has signed with the industry, their success is hinged on sales through that industry. Should we consider those artists as guilty-by-association and bring them down along with the rest of the industry?
I'm not saying that people should use file-sharing to challenge the industry. What I am saying is that that file-sharing must be done in such a way that it respects the rights of the artists. Some artists will choose to go the file-sharing route. Use those artists as your front lines. Stop treating contracted artists as the enemy.
Posted on Jul 17, 2002, 3:21 AM from IP address 207.195.139.200