Discussion of all things related to Public Domain

[tom poe <tompoe AT amihost.com>]

http://world.std.com/~swmcd/steven/stories/labels.html

Hi, Steven McDougall: 

Just read your timeless piece from 2000.  Especially liked your concise
and insightful wrap-up:
How it could be

If distribution of music over the internet becomes prevalent, the world
could be a very different place

* The record labels evaporate--like puddles in the sun. 
* Thousands and thousands of composers distribute music over the
internet. Musical styles and variety explode. 
* Consumers search the internet for music. The problem isn't finding
music--it's everywhere. The problem is finding music that you like.
People trade acts, titles and URLs with their friends. 
* Fans put up fan sites and review music. These sites are important to
the success of acts. 
* Retailers burn CDs on demand. CD stores look like 1-hour photo
developers: storefront, equipment, no inventory. 
* A successful act is one with a small, loyal following. 
* The market depolarizes. Instead of a few acts making huge sums of
money, there are many acts making modest sums. 
* Mass culture demands super-stars. There will always be a few acts with
millions of fans. 

May I quote you in our Open Studios book? 
http://www.ibiblio.org/studioforrecording/bookkitchen.html 
Thanks,
Tom Poe
Open Studios
Reno, NV
http://www.studioforrecording.org/