It may be too late for Metallica and Dre to do this, but why not try to take advantage of this situation by gaining fans without losing money (sounds a bit simple, huh?). For example, if Metallica would have reacted differently a while ago, maybe all their fans wouldn't be so pissed off at them right now, and they'd still be "making money" for their music. Instead of doing the obvious negative thing (sueing Napster), why not spend all those legal fees and time making your Website better fot the fans, and offering your album online for download (not free, but available). Maybe hand out some free bootlegs if users bought your album online. Give users a "certificate" for a free t-shirt if they buy the album online. Promote LEGAL use of MP3 rather than crucify illegal use of it.
By not using their brains on this one, they've lost countless amounts of money on disgusted former fans never wanting to buy another album again, along with all kinds of legal fees and wasted time. The money's out there, guys; it's just a matter of pleasing your fans enough to get it from them. Don't spout a bunch of crap about "art" and nonsense like that. I realize you have to get paid for what you do; it's a fact of life. But the "old school" days of being paid to physically listen to CD's (or music of any format) are OVER. Figure out some other ways to get paid for what you do these days, and sit back and make your music. But for God's sake, keep your fan's happy. They're all you've got (and they're beginning to dwindle...).
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By not using their brains on this one, they've lost countless amounts of money on disgusted former fans never wanting to buy another album again, along with all kinds of legal fees and wasted time. The money's out there, guys; it's just a matter of pleasing your fans enough to get it from them. Don't spout a bunch of crap about "art" and nonsense like that. I realize you have to get paid for what you do; it's a fact of life. But the "old school" days of being paid to physically listen to CD's (or music of any format) are OVER. Figure out some other ways to get paid for what you do these days, and sit back and make your music. But for God's sake, keep your fan's happy. They're all you've got (and they're beginning to dwindle...).