[atlantaprog] Re: Cheapness

In a message dated 10/26/2003 3:42:37 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
wheat@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> 
> Album: The Beatles, Revolver
> Year of Release: 1966
> Estimated original price: $4.50
> Price adjusted for inflation: $26
> Format: LP
> 
Consider that a DVD product like Rush In Rio, which has three hours of music 
plus pictures is available for between $20 and $25.  Revolver, meanwhile is 
about 37 minutes, no pictures.  Yeah, I know it's arguably the best 37 minutes 
in pop music history, but, frankly, even the $18 that you pay for it in most 
record stores seems a bit steep to me, let alone $26.   I'd say $10 is about 
the 
right price for catalog and $12-$14 is about the right price for new 
releases.   Now I make it a point to pay for every single piece of music I own. 
 
However, if CDs cost less, and the labels were more willing to release product 
that 
I like, then I'd certainly buy more of them and I'd be much more willing to 
take a chance on an unknown artist.  I'd also be less likely to seek out used 
CDs for $7.99 and $8.99.

Technology has made music far cheaper and easier to record and produce.  It 
wasn't that long ago that a local band artist even having their own album was 
unusual and a *big deal*.  Now you can go to any open mic night in town and 
half the people there will be more than happy to sell you copies of their CD, 
many of which are extremely professional in both sound and packaging, out of 
their trunk.  If The Joe Blow Experience can record and produce their own album 
for a few grand with no label support, then what excuse do the labels have for 
blowing hundreds of millions of dollars recording and promoting the swill that 
they're mostly pumping out these days?  What excuse do they have for whining 
that they are losing money when the easy solution is staring them in the face?  
Step one: Sign artists who will develop loyal followings and be successful 
over the long haul instead of *flash in the pan" image whores.  Step two:  
Spend 
*less money* on recording, promotion, cocaine etc. and pass some of that 
savings on to the customer.  Step three: Legitimize music on the internet with 
cheap pay downloads and targeted free downloads.

CH

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