Discussion of all things related to Public Domain

[Avatoly Volynets <anatoly AT total-knowledge.com>]

On Sat, 2003-07-26 at 11:37, Erik wrote:

> 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,...

The majority of the public? Yes they focus where media put the focus. So
it doesn't sound quite accurate to say "we" in this context. However, I
agree with everything you say below and above and want to put one
emphasis on it. You described some features of and flaws in functioning
of star making machine. All of these is understandable: labels invest
money in starts and channel back profits. The whole machine is based on
exclusive rights they have on the music (in this case). If the rights to
be abolished (or, at least, partially given up, as it happens with
Creative Commons) investments in stars will not make sense any more and
different business models will get developed.

> 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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