We have all been chastised repeatedly for the immorality of using freely available technology to acquire the music we want to hear free of charge. We have been told that we are at fault for the “20%” declines in the music industry. They must have realized that if we were going to steal music, they might as well make music so bad that we would completely lose interest altogether. And it’s not the overpaid celebrities and executives who foist this musical excrement upon us who suffer. Nooo! No no! It’s the little guys we are are hurting.
I get it. I’m a bad person.
Sue me.
Err, scratch that last line.
But when have ethics enetered the music industry? I’ll bet never. As it turns out my use of the word “foist” was more accurate than I had intended. Why? Sony, at least, has been buying air time, or spins, on radio stations.
This tells me that celebrity does not sell music. Well, actually I guess it can and sometimes does as long as it’s “marketed” properly. Aside from that error in my philosophy, I will continue. Sony is showing that it is interested in pushing names. Names with overpriced contracts. Names whose music can no longer sell itself. But instead of giving up on them and developing prudent business practices, Sony is effectively admitting they don’t know how to find the talent that will sell itself. Instead they have to rely on (possibly illegal and unethical) gimmicks and celebrity. Sadly, Sony, like MTV I’m sure, has learned that there is more money to be had by only pretending to be about music. That’s fine. But profits equal neither morality nor integrity. So, Sony, the next time you find your panties in a wad because your margins have slipped (again), get off your high horse and quit blaming people who mirror your strategy which appears to be lie, cheat, steal, & sue. You are not one bit better than the “thief” who used Kazaa to share some music. You only have better lawyers. Congratulations.
[seriously I was kidding about the "sue me" part.]
ZaMoose Says:
Go to willlawton.com to download my music.