Diamonds & the RIAA

eaglebtc writes "After reading the previously-posted article on cdfreaks.com about the rapid erosion of cheap CDR's, I found another equally scintillating write-up about the economics of music CDs written by Richard Menta, founder of MP3 Newswire. Sure, we've all heard the whining about how CDs are so expensive, but Mr. Menta takes a unique perspective on the issue by comparing the RIAA to DeBeers. He argues that both companies control distribution of products in their respective markets with an iron fist, and by so doing can artificially raise prices. Coincidentally, the bubble is beginning to burst in both markets: the RIAA is fighting against the uprisings of P2P software, and the diamond cartel's lawyers are losing sleep over the $5 diamonds produced in a lab."

Comments

The RIAA, DeBeers, Gemology and Maxell

[Kenterlogic]

We have two seemingly seperate industries. Both, like mentioned in this post, rule their respective markets absolutely. The RIAA controls the price of CDs and DeBeers controls diamond prices. Both of them have been having to put up with some competition.

Gemology, a florida based company, is making synthetic diamonds for very little money that are near flawless. A 3-karat stone runs about $100 US. There is also a Boston based company that hasn't begun selling yet, but claim to have perfected a process that makes better diamonds than Gemology at a lower price. Meanwhile, dozens of P2P and blank media companies are developing new ways to "compete" with the iron-fist of the RIAA.

Everyone flames on the RIAA because of their lame tactics that are more annoying than effective at eliminating file-swapping and burning. But what about DaBeers that has been instigating international crime and inflating prrices on diamonds for decades? Near constantly we see stories of little children being tortured over diamonds in Africa yet the /. population seems more concerned with the RIAA placing fake copies of Christina Aguilera songs on KaZaa.

I am not trying to sound preachy. In fact, I don't really care about kids in Africa. Or anywhere for that matter. All that matters to me is being able to download whatever I want, whenever I want. And write longwinded posts on Slashdot with a good premice that go absolutely nowhere.

The only place I could find work as a writer is at Fox News. Sure, I can't make a point but I am "fair and balanced" TM.

Re:The RIAA, DeBeers, Gemology and Maxell

[Abm0raz]

Near constantly we see stories of little children being tortured over diamonds in Africa yet the /. population seems more concerned with the RIAA placing fake copies of Christina Aguilera songs on KaZaa.

Simple answer ... Slashdot is a News for Nerds site. We're all (mostly) techno-weenies and come here for that fact. There isn't a whole lot of science or technology involved in the torture of little african kids for diamonds. If you want to read about that, goto a humanitarian news forum rather than a technology forum.

Personally, I think Sam Kineson said it best when he said (about africans) "You live in a desert. NO FOOD GROWS THERE! MOVE!"

-Ab.