Discussion of all things related to Public Domain

[tom poe <tompoe AT amihost.com>]

Hi, Erik:  Well put.

All services are free with Open Studios.  Our niche is to get musicians
into the business by assisting communities to build and operate
community-based recording studios.  These studios would provide free
recording services to musicians. In return, users would be encouraged to
register their works with the Creative Commons Project.  At some point,
the musicians would learn enough about recording to move into their own
equipment, and move out into the world, so-to-speak.  In other words, as
they begin to commercialize, they'll not fit the niche any longer.  Does
that make sense?

I think maybe the role of record labels as such may change.  Consulting
may, as you say, be the role of label people in the future.
Thanks for your input,
Tom


On Sat, 2003-07-26 at 11:37, Erik wrote:
> I've thought a lot about this model.  It's exciting to see you on this
> track.
> 
> Your profit:  Consultantation is needed to replace the lump sum consultation
> that a record company provides.  Even though you would in theory be helping
> the client obtain services that don't require signing to a label to easily
> gain access to, they still need help obtaining these services.  This will be
> the nature of the business so long as musicians are musicians.
> 
> Their profit:  One of the primary benefits of this model is that it
> increases the chance of them succeeding... making a profit and being able to
> play music for a living.  While, in theory, it reduces the chance of them
> ever becoming the next Metallica, it increases their chances of simply
> becoming profitable, because it helps to level the playing field, and
> rewards good music over good marketing.
> 
> The current business model used by the labels results in only a small
> portion of those who sign from ever begin financially successful.  We tend
> to focus on these few, since they are famous... Madonna, Metallica, etc,...
> But, the reality is that few are able to continually make a living.  This is
> in large part due to the decision by the labels to focus on the few, not to
> maximize the likelihood of profitability for the musicians, but to maximize
> the profitability of the labels.  The labels are not philanthropists.  This
> business model works for them, not the artists.  Michael Jackson is a better
> investment than 40 silly artists who each can make only 1% of the profit
> that Michael Jackson can make.  But, to most musicians today, that 1% is a
> LOT of money.  It is financial success, and the ability to play music for a
> living, instead of getting another job, and letting music just be a hobby.
> 
> So, the question for any musician is, do they want to focus on the ability
> to play music for a living, and profit according to how good their music is,
> or throw a crapshoot that they will be the next Metallica, and somehow the
> labels will decide to promote them over all the other Metallica's out there?
> 
> Of course, this is simplified.  Complications abound.  But, I think this is
> the heart of what a musician has to decide.  Do they want to invest in
> success, or play the lottery with the labels.
> 
> Erik
> http://www.OpenStandards.net
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dmca_discuss-bounces AT lists.microshaft.org
> [mailto:dmca_discuss-bounces AT lists.microshaft.org]On Behalf Of tom poe
> Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2003 4:00 AM
> To: DMCA_Discuss AT lists.microshaft.org
> Cc: Community Studios
> Subject: [DMCA_Discuss] test idea
> 
> 
> Hi:  Want to test this out.
> 
> Open Source investment opportunities.  How does an investor in an Open
> Source project get a reasonable return on investment?
> 
> Example:
> Musician makes .ogg file, puts it on the web using Creative Commons
> Project licensing options, develops products for sale, tours, concerts,
> etc., and if successful, investor gets reasonable return on investment.
> No middle man.  Thus, need investment pitch for musician.  Or, better
> yet, Open Source venture capital firm.
> 
> So, does Open Studios need to develop project for providing individuals
> with skills to help musicians that find investors?  They'll need web
> site skills, business management skills, . . . .etc.
> 
> Or, do we let the market do it's thing, and those that previously worked
> within the Hollywood track now begin to take on individuals at terms the
> individual dictates?
> Thanks,
> Tom Poe
> Open Studios
> Reno, NV
> http://www.studioforrecording.org/
> 
> 
> 
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