From BigKumquat Sent Fri, Aug 6th 1999, 17:23
From BigKumquat Sent Fri, Aug 6th 1999, 17:23
<< Hmmm...do you mean because of digital distributuion? With all the major labels working out "secure" formats for downloadable music, I can't imagine free music happening any time soon. Curious if your friend knows some secret development I haven't heard...>> Well, of course my friend's comment was somewhat wry, but I do believe that there is something to it. Yes, he was referring to digital distribution. I'm not sure that the "secure" format thing can work out. As long as the major labels continue to release music on CD, folks will be able to take that music and turn it into digital files which can be sent/downloaded/uploaded on the web. Sure, the lawyers will try to fight this, but I believe that the sheer vastness and chaotic nature of the internet cannot be thwarted. Even if the CD's have some sort of copy protection feature to prevent digital transfer, an analog copy of a CD track will still sound pretty good. It seems pretty clear that the music industry power structure established in the 20th century will be dismantled in the 21st, as the means of production, distribution and promotion are delivered into the hands of the people thanks to information technology developments. I for one will be partying in the streets as we burn David Geffen in effigy. Brimming with insurrectional rhetoric, Fred Church xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx http://www.thelocus.com/kumquat (free music here)