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I am of mixed emotions regarding the filesharing of mp3s - I do see your point about infringing on copyrights by essentially copying material and then passing the original off to someone else. If the money were really going to the artists I would be more sympathetic. Recall that not too long ago, the major music producers were found in collusion for price-fixing at some of the stores that represent their largest distribution networks (like Target, for example). The industry not only failed to respond to changes in consumer purchasing habits and desires (in the form of embracing on-line distribution), the industry has gone out of its way to rip-off consumers and force them to pay more for the music than they should. If you plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind.

On another point - the 30% decline in retail sales may or may not be related to filesharing services. Sure, some losses are attributable to the filesharing, but we have also been in economic downturn for the past three years as well - and then there is the whole issue of quality and is the music industry creating a product that people feel is worth 17 to 24 bucks a shot.

So no, I have little (basically none) sympathy for the music industry, and I am hoping a big shakeout occurs whereby people will rediscover local and regional artists, and that the artists themselves can find a business model that will allow them to continue performing without the BS of the industry. The music industry is comprised of just too many types who use the current distribution system and payolla type schemes to maintain their extravagant lifestyles and act as gatekeepers for artists and fans alike.

If I were a recording artist, I'd sever my ties with my label and set up my own sharing website. Downloads would be free and unlimited, but I'd have a pr0n-site-style "members only" area with premium stuff available only to paying customers. (This would end up being pirated anyway, but a lot of people would still pay for the sake of convenience and perceived swank value.) I'd include downloadable video of live performances on the site, plus contact information on how to set up a date, plus tour information, bios and data, a fan forum, and other fun stuff. The heart of the site would be the Store, where fans could buy t-shirts, posters, etc. using PayPal or credit card; this would be the income-generation portion of the site.

So no, I have little (basically none) sympathy for the music industry, and I am hoping a big shakeout occurs whereby people will rediscover local and regional artists, and that the artists themselves can find a business model that will allow them to continue performing without the BS of the industry. The music industry is comprised of just too many types who use the current distribution system and payolla type schemes to maintain their extravagant lifestyles and act as gatekeepers for artists and fans alike.

Downloading and burning music involves a significant investment of time and hardware. If CD's were priced at $5 instead of $20, the entire file-sharing culture would disappear.

Does it make any economic sense for a movie soundtrack CD to sell for more than the DVD of the same movie?