In 1986 in the US, vinyl LPs cost $8-10. They cover art was much better because it was so much bigger, and you could actually read the lyrics on the record sleeve because they weren't printed in 4-point fonts.
When CDs hit the shelves, they cost $16. That's a *100%* price increase overnight. We were supposed to be grateful for paying 2x the price, because "CDs don't get scratched". LOL! They are more durable than vinyl, yes. And the sound is better, yes.
But the excuse for $16 CDs, at the time, was a lack of manufacturing facilities. According to the RIAA members, there simply weren't enough CD factories to keep up with demand, so they fixed that demand by *raising the prices so high* that demand decreased.
Now, in 2002, if you record your own music CD, you can get 1500 copies, with full-color covers and jewel boxes, along with art on the CD, for about $1000. That's.67 a copy, for a microscopic run. If you sell those CDs for 5$ each, you are making about 800% profit. Imagine how cheaply those RIAA guys can crank out 1,000,000 Britney Spears CDs. But they still cost $16.
It is no surprise that otherwise honest people will pirate (steal) music that is sold at such outrageous prices. Regardless of any laws, punishments, or regulations passed by the US Congress, the widespread piracy of music will continue until prices are adjusted to realistic levels.
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It's so cool how I posted the content of this comment first (see above) and got rated a "2".
In 1986 in the US, vinyl LPs cost $8-10. They cover art was much better because it was so much bigger, and you could actually read the lyrics on the record sleeve because they weren't printed in 4-point fonts.
.67 a copy, for a microscopic run. If you sell those CDs for 5$ each, you are making about 800% profit. Imagine how cheaply those RIAA guys can crank out 1,000,000 Britney Spears CDs. But they still cost $16.
When CDs hit the shelves, they cost $16. That's a *100%* price increase overnight. We were supposed to be grateful for paying 2x the price, because "CDs don't get scratched". LOL! They are more durable than vinyl, yes. And the sound is better, yes.
But the excuse for $16 CDs, at the time, was a lack of manufacturing facilities. According to the RIAA members, there simply weren't enough CD factories to keep up with demand, so they fixed that demand by *raising the prices so high* that demand decreased.
Now, in 2002, if you record your own music CD, you can get 1500 copies, with full-color covers and jewel boxes, along with art on the CD, for about $1000. That's
It is no surprise that otherwise honest people will pirate (steal) music that is sold at such outrageous prices. Regardless of any laws, punishments, or regulations passed by the US Congress, the widespread piracy of music will continue until prices are adjusted to realistic levels.