Quote:
Originally Posted by _wtf_
Record sales account for next to nothing as regards to an artists earnings. What they do, is give the artist exposure that can then be transferred into ticket sales. Artists actually make more from merchandise at gigs/concerts during a tour than they ever would from a number 1 hit single in the UK. If 'piracy' was killing artists would Adele be able to afford her new home? Of course she would, she sings to sell out concerts at venues like the Albert Hall.
Maggy, what would be your thoughts on the recent ruling on Metropolis? A film made in 1927 by Fritz Lang. It actually became public domain in 1956, Fritz Lang died in 1976 (over 35 years ago). Yet on Jan 18th 2012 the US Supreme Court renewed its copyright for some lucky company until 2023. Would you be okay with no creative work ever becoming public domain in the future?
As to your argument of why bother if your not making money ask the thousands of people who picked up an instrument as a child and still play in pubs/clubs or even just in the house. Ask the people who've spent thousands on equipment for their 'bedroom' studios who release music for free all over the internet. An artist is an artist even when nobody is looking or listening. Sure, some would love to make the 'big time' but there's an awful lot that simply refuse to sign a contract with a studio.
This is an interesting read.
This is also interesting. |
Small flaw in your otherwise perfect argument - you have to be a best selling artist before you can sell out your concerts to make money from your merchandise, and how can you be a best selling artist if no one pays for your material?
Some artists do do it for their enjoyment, but what about the ones who would like to earn a living from the skills and efforts - shouldn't it be their choice whether people can have their intellectual property, rather than having it distributed without their permission?
btw, any examples where donations, with popularity gained from free publications which they can then sign a deal and starts releasing paid material, has worked for lots of 'little artists' (rather than just a couple of exceptional outliers, because, as we all know, exceptions very rarely prove the rule), rather than generalities or theories?