On Jan 15, 2005, at 12:33 PM, Kent Williams wrote:
As far as file copying, CD ripping etc, the piggies are out of the
barn. Most DRM systems can be defeated pretty easily, and when all
else fails, anyone with a good soundcard can make a high quality
digital copy via analog loopback of protected digital files.
So DRM is a joke. It only stops people the way a cheap bike lock does
-- it deters the casual thief.
Similarly, the legal pursuit of file sharers is doomed to failure.
They can go after easy, stationary targets, but they'll never get the
technical edge over the file sharers. We're only in the very early
stages of what's possible with decentralized peer to peer software.
The only way forward I can see for artists is this:
1. Give away lossy digital copies of your music, as promotion.
2. Emphasize the audio quality of the 'real thing' -- the paid for
copy.
3. Make sure the physical object you're selling adds value over the
digital copy -- either by adding tracks, attractive packaging, or some
sort of unique value you don't get downloading it digitally.
4. Perform live, or DJ or do something where you're selling a unique
event that can't be endlessly reproduced and distributed over the
internet.
There is a fifth option too.
How much money did May make off of letting one of his tracks (Strings
maybe) be used for Midnight Run? Maybe a buck a copy?
This isn't easy. None of it is. But there are a number of advertising
execs that could find uses for techno or house tracks.
Dr. Lester K. Spence
Assistant Professor, Political Science and African Afro-American Studies
Washington University
Kellogg Scholar in Health Disparities 2004-2006
