Date: 09/09/2003 11:59 AM
From: Adam Gibson ([email protected])
Subject: Fear May Not Spur CD Sales
RIAA tactics are starting to affect CD sales in the opposite direction that RIAA wants ("Fear May Not Spur CD Sales," Sept. 9, 2003).
I am tired of feeling like I am doing something wrong by checking out new music from most P2P apps when I know I am not doing anything bad, regardless of what RIAA thinks. I have decided not to buy any CDs anymore until the RIAA quits the mafia-style tactics they are using on users who are really helping artists spread their music to people who might not listen to it otherwise.
I now use iRate radio, which is a client that downloads freely downloadable music by artists who actually have a clue and realize that getting their music into more listeners' hands is a good thing as it will equal more sales. I have found new bands that I want to purchase CDs from and know that they are not going to sue me for testing out their music. If the music is good I will purchase it when I can afford it.
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Date: 9/09/2003 10:41 AM
From: Fred Crable ([email protected])
Subject: Fear May Not Spur CD Sales
Who needs file-trading networks at all? Here at work we trade all our files over a shared network drive without the RIAA looking over our shoulders, because they have no access to our network. Let them try to regulate that one ("Fear May Not Spur CD Sales," Sept. 9, 2003).
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Date: 09/10/2003 05:36 AM
From: Geoff Nathan ([email protected])
Subject: Fear May Not Spur CD Sales
While the record industry may claim that file sharing is cutting into their sales, I think there is evidence that they are mistaken ("Fear May Not Spur CD Sales," Sept. 9, 2003).
Sales of classical music CDs have dropped just as much, and I doubt that there's much trade on Kazaa in John Tavener's latest CD, or even in editions of Beethoven's 9th. As has been pointed out, CDs are the only technological object in the past 30 years or so whose price has increased while adding nothing additional in return.
The recording industry has simply priced itself out of the market and is attempting to blame others for its own foolishness. And, rather than using free-market strategies, like lowering prices, it is running to the government for help.
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Date: 09/09/2003 02:05 PM
From: Tom Glover ([email protected])
Subject: Fear May Not Spur CD Sales
I purchased more CDs during the time that I had access to online music than I have before or since ("Fear May Not Spur CD Sales," Sept. 9, 2003).
The simple reason was that I could and did "try and buy." We've tried before to dictate ethics via the ham-fisted application of laws in ways that deny fundamental realities, and it simply doesn't work. It's time for the music moguls to "lead, follow, or get out of the way." Those who attempt to hold onto the past end up a part of it.
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