Hollywood Steps Up Its Assault on the Net While Webcasting Death March Claims KPIG. "...we--the Free Software, Open Source and pro-Internet communities--are losing the argument. The Internet, which grew almost entirely outside the regulatory environment, is being pulled inside, not only in the US but all over the world." [What's our response?] *
Pressplay to offer unlimited downloads. "Pressplay, a joint venture between Sony and Vivendi Universal, has gone the furthest in allowing some limited ability to burn songs to CDs and transfer them to portable device. But its model, charging $14.95 a month for just 50 downloaded songs and 500 streams, had drawn criticism from consumers and analysts.
The new plan eliminates that barrier. Along with the unlimited downloads and streams, consumers will be able to burn 120 songs a year to CDs after paying the annual fee. Packages that allow more songs to be burned will be available for individual purchase." [I guess this stuff is a step in the right direction, but it does nothing to help the artists. This line is very telling: "However, sources said that some of the music available on Pressplay, which offers songs from Sony, Universal and EMI Music, will not be available under all of the features of the new plan." My reading of this is that a few artists have contracts that force these companies to negotiate the digital uses. Obviously most do not. Things may be improving on the consumer side, but they're not getting any better on the artist side, and that is ultimately what's wrong.]
[BTW, some of you have confused my position. There's nothing wrong with a company investing in my project or anyone else's. I'm also not against a company offering the worst possible terms to an artist, except in those cases where they are clearly taking advantage of someone's situation.
It's the artists that have to make the change, and understand that it isn't necessary to sell themselves to those bad contracts in order to do well. That's the support for the little guy theme. If you support the artists directly rather than through a giant conglomerate you win and the artists win. Naturally, the artist needs to give you the opportunity, but as I've been so blatantly pointing out lately, there are opportunities. Please make the most of them. (And yes, once again, I know I'm selling peripherals when the main event is nowhere to be seen. I'm working on it, I tell you three times! Thanks!)
I'll provide two examples (there are many more) Aimee Mann, who is streaming her new album until its release, and including bonus tracks for those who preorder from her directly, and Jonatha Brooke, who also has a bit of a weblog. I'm not vey familiar with their work, but if you glance at the bio's etc. you'll see that these are successful artists who are doing better on their own since leaving their labels. Have a glance at this article from CNN: Musicians find Net success without record labels.] *
On the little guy side o' town... *
 Wouldn't you be happier this morning if you were consuming your morning coffee from the :elements: Caffeine Dispenser? [ Since this is not a great display, how about this?]
[Don't you want one of these exquisite timepieces hanging in your office? I assure you that each piece will bring only the greatest of luck, glad tidings, good fortune, and positive energy.
Only our products are provided with these positive attributes! With each and every purchase the entire group performs a song while the artist dances sensually around the product bearer as they lovingly wrap the package and speed it, and it's good vibes, in your direction. I'm tellin' ya, it doesn't get any better than this! Thanks! (Of course, other items are available as well, each blessed in their own special way!)]
11:25:59 AM 
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