Wetlook World Forum

In addition, I must say that the development of Kazaa and other file sharing software is a very interesting and well deserved kick in the teeth to the music industry.  They've raised CD prices over and over and over again, concert ticket prices have gone through the roof & reached obsurd hieghts, but now we're supposed to feel sorry for those who make more money in a year than I will see in ten, 20 years or possibly a lifetime?  I don't think so.  Yes, one could argue that it hurts the small, up and coming artist...but they're the ones who would benefit the most from the spread of their music!  It's one more way to get recognized.  Besides, I'd be willing to bet that most of the music downloaded are the most popular (and thus, luctrative) songs.  

Keep in mind, the music industry does not turn very much of a profit on CD sales anyway.  They make the big $ in tours and merchandising on tour.  

My last point gets back to the theft & legality issue.  It's up to the copyright holder to protect their product!  Look at the wetlook sites that are pay sites.  They don't say "Please don't click here on the 'members' link if you're not a member."  NO!  They protect their content, via technology, by requiring a password.  The music industry has to invest a little green in R&D and protect their copyright electronically, technologically.

Sorry for the rant.  I just find it difficult to remain silent on this issue, even if I do get flamed.  Now, if only we could find a "Kazaa" for gasoline, we could tell OPEC (the biggest organized crime, price-fixing & larceny syndicate in the world) to shove it where the sun don't shine!