Discussion of all things related to Public Domain

[tom poe <tompoe AT amihost.com>]

How it could be by Steven McDougall
http://world.std.com/swmcd/steven/stories/labels.html 
written in the year, 2000.

"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."

Sounds like fun, even now, although the major record labels that control
more than 85% of the world's music think otherwise.  
Tom