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September 14, 2003
Music industry vs. Movie industry
For years, since Napster first began undermining the music industry, there has been talk about how eventually the movie industry would have to deal with the same thing.
But so far, only the music industry (RIAA) seems to be stirring things up. Even though almost every recent movie is available for free via P2P networks, often before they hit the theater, the movie industry grows more successful. While the music industry is on a decline.
This article in the Denver Post compares how both industries have dealt with growing pirating, file-sharing and copying. And shows how the movie industry has thrived in the same environment that the music industry continues to decline.
A comment about music listeners in their 30's and 40's giving up on new material hits home. As a teenager, I spent phenomenal amounts of time (and some money) finding new, unusual bands. As a college student, I had to sacrifice music to eat.
Now that I have money to spend on music again, I'm finding the radio is useless to find new artists, and I'm not about to put down $20 for an artist I don't know--so I don't buy anything. I've found it's easier (and usually cheaper) to explore different musical genres than find new artists in the genres I frequent.
Think about all that the movie industry has done to make movies accessible to people. Consider what the the music industry has done.
I have little sympathy for the music industry, just a lot of disappointment. And frustration that they refuse to make my experience as a customer less expensive and more enjoyable.
Posted by pete at September 14, 2003 9:22 PM