The beginning of digital distribution to the masses. 1984
Recording companies (EMI, SonyBMG, Warner, etc.) have been marketing and distribution digital content since 1984. The storage media used then was a Compact Disc. Today, we have many smaller and more convenient choices in media storage. We also have the Internet to assist in transport of files to various media storage and players. Distribution from central servers to end users should be free of hinder and totally non-proprietary.
Now that we have these new methods of moving files at acceptable speeds, we should be concentrating on:
a. Maximizing reach and accessibility
b. Platforms to track licenses, not audio files.
c. Integration of playback software and codec (format - MP3, AAC, WMA) support everywhere possible.
d. Adaption of the only acceptable "DRM". Bitstream watermarking. The guys that created the MPEG (MP3, MP4, etc.) have done it right. I'll write another post on this soon.
e. Reasonable license fees by both publishing and recording arms.
f. Micropayments are the future. iTunes set unrealistic expectations.
I left out the most important factor: The music itself.
As it is, as it was, as it shall be. The cycle is coming round again. The majors have forgotten why they exist. Discover talent, record music and market it to consumers. Instead they are (what's left of them) 70% corporate know nothings with no experience on the street. 25% wanna-be / college educated types with no experience and the remaining 5% are real music lovers. Those 5% know what's wrong and would love to do something about it. Unfortunately, the suits are looking at quarterly reports and hiring some "know-it-all" who doesn't really get the reason he's got a job. The 5% can't do anything to help. I know, I've been in their shoes many times.
As it is, as it was, as it shall be. The indies are returning to their position as the word on new and interesting talent. They are prepared to move their content without hinder to any consumer who wants it.
Coming soon:
- Why Fighting "illegal" copying is simple-minded.
- DRM (Digital Rights Management) and Bistream Watermarking
- iPhone - bad for the consumer (and everyone else but Apple)
- More iPhone - they've been around for years.
