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Upside downsides MP3.COM.
eshefer writes
"With the upcomming IPO of mp3.com Upside has this
article that warns Mp3.com is still far away from competing
with traditional record companies since the quality of
most of the music is low and sales of D.A.M CD's isn't so
hot. "
If one takes a step back and looks at more than just MP3s, the migration toward free distribution is becoming more relevent in all industries. Obviously, Linux and Open Source is the greatest example of this, but who is to say music can't join in on this as well? The time has come where people are no longer satisfied with what major corporations, record companies, and the media have to offer. The Internet has becomes the generic media that enables each and every individual to become a content provider on their own, with the help of sites such as MP3.com.
It is my belief that as high bandwidth becomes available to more and more consumers, and as the quality of television decreases even more (no, we haven't hit absolute rock bottom yet, I'm sad to say), independent TV shows orgininating on the Internet will come into play. This may sound absurd, but if you look at the trend, it is the next logical step. It is simply the transition from totally profit-oriented business to those that seek to provide the better product, with profit as a secondary goal.
If people aren't buying the music on MP3.com, is it really that big of a deal? There is a thing called advertising revenue, and I'm sure they're not lacking it. Is something a failure just because consumers don't directly purchase it? Perhaps the solution here is to provide an incentive for purchase, such as songs that aren't available for download. Obviously the artists need to be supported if they are expected to continue with this, but they must also keep in mind that the widespread distribution and acceptance of their music is a success in itself, one which should be valued more.
Daniel
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Editor - Dualism.org
President - Ophelan.com