RIAA Has A Blog? And They Use It To Read My Mind!
from the fascinating! dept
Well, well, well. Just a few months ago we noted that EMI had just created what was being called the first major record label blog, which seemed a bit late to the game. However, someone just informed me that the RIAA actually has its own "Music Notes" blog, which I hadn't known existed before. But in checking it out, I discovered that it had an entire post claiming to read my mind. Wow! I'm honored, guys, really. But, like your business strategy, your mind reader is a bit off.First off, they call me a "reliable RIAA critic," which is not really accurate at all. I only criticize dumb strategies, such as the ones that have driven your most faithful customers to talk of boycotts and swear never to buy products you're associated with. That's not criticism of the organization. That's trying to help you stop screwing up so badly. I'm criticizing consistently bad decision making, not the organization itself, which was, at one time, well poised to embrace a wonderful opportunity online, but screwed it all up in the most spectacular fashion imaginable.
But, from there they get deep into my mind, and claim that I "like to throw in "RIAA" or "Recording Industry" in headlines to generate clicks." Don't flatter yourself, folks. It's got nothing to do with clicks. If I wanted clicks, I'd write about the latest iPhone or celebrities. Stuff about you guys doesn't generate nearly as many clicks as you might think. Most people wrote off the RIAA long ago. Besides, our business model has nothing to do with "clicks." But, I guess, considering your inability to figure out your own business model problems, it's no surprise that you wouldn't understand our business model. But, for your information, I write about the RIAA because I find it fascinating that one organization could make so many ridiculously bad mistakes over and over again, taking itself from a massive position of opportunity, to one where it's become hated by nearly everyone from artists to customers alike. It's a stunning real-time case study in destroying your own industry.
I also write so much about the industry because what's happening in the recording industry is what's about to happen in a bunch of other industries -- from newspapers to healthcare to energy to financial services to consumer packaged goods. And I'm hoping that with enough evidence we can warn off organizations in those industries from making the same mistakes you've made and continue to make. You're a warning sign and a live case study that hopefully others will see in time.
Oh, as for the specific charges in the blog post? Amusingly, they pin language that's not mine on me -- my post was talking about Jesse Walker's Reason article and quoted extensively from that -- and then don't actually respond to it. Instead they respond to totally different charges with selective "cherry-picking" of facts and a nice out of context quote (exactly what they accuse me of doing). Even better, they argue against a total strawman, claiming that the reason I'm against the Performance Rights Act is because I think the money will just go to the labels rather than artists. That's not the case (even if a significant portion does go to the labels no matter what). My complaint is that they're double and triple charging via a tax on those who promote their music, rather than having to actually do any work to give anyone a reason to buy. Update: Even better, as was pointed out in the comments, one of the "poster boys" used by the RIAA in that blog post about someone who "didn't get paid" from his music being on radio is Jack Ely from the Kingsmen, who wrote the song "Louie Louie." Only problem? Jack Ely has said that music should be given away for free and money should be made on performing live. Ooooooops.
So, I'm honored -- really -- that the RIAA thinks I'm a critic and worthy of a personal attack on its blog. But rather than assuming I'm here to attack you, maybe (just maybe) stop and look at what I've actually said. I suggested suing Napster was dumb and shutting it down would be a massive mistake leading to widespread file sharing programs that were harder to stop and track. Check. I've suggested that suing file sharers wouldn't slow down the pace of file sharing and would create massive backlash against the RIAA. Check. I've suggested that smart artists can embrace file sharing and new technologies to their own advantage to make more money. Check. Perhaps you should have turned your mind reading powers to that part of my brain. Or, you know, you could have just given us a call. I would have been more than happy to stop by and explain this all to you in 1998. Could have saved you a lot of trouble, heartache and lawyer fees.
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...and today they would all be flipping burgers at MickeyDs. A sound strategy!
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Theeey're heeeere!
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You have been known to lash out at the RIAA despite the fact that they have nothing to do with the content of the story. See, for example, http://techdirt.com/articles/20090527/0253005023.shtml
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The same Jack Ely?
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Re: The same Jack Ely?
Hey Lamy, you listening?
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Re: The same Jack Ely?
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Interesting.
So, RIAA, now that you do read the comments, when the hell are you going to stop doing stupid things?
Here's a start: Tell Thomas-Rassett the judgment is waved, and that you are sorry for putting her through so much. While you're at it, give her a couple of dollars and a catalog of songs so she won't have to download anymore.
After all, I helped pay for them YEARS ago with the over-inflated costs of CDs I was forced to buy for ONE damn song.
Seriously, take a look at the web and how your image is now portrayed. NEITHER music fans nor ARTISTS like you very much.
Take the hint, idiots.
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Re: Interesting.
Dude, no you are not! Get of my IP!!!
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Re: Interesting.
Meanwhile, their RIAA blog is comment disabled - I guess they realized that they would be trolled and likewise can't handle the truth.
(hint: if the music industry started supporting new ideas instead of crying about album sales and gave up on copyright maybe less people wouldn't be wishing for violent unfortunate outcomes to be brought upon the RIAA/MPAA/IFPI).
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Re: Re: Interesting.
I've heard a lot of them work that way (high), maybe that's why they make such poor decisions.
Oh, and don't confuse the "record" industry with the "music" industry.
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from the business model as a "right" department...
"We don’t discount the promotional value of radio. But can we reasonably conclude that the precise value of radio airplay is exactly equal to the $16 billion in advertising that radio stations earned from playing music last year? That makes no sense. All we are asking for is a basic right, a right that exists in virtually every industrialized country in the world and a right the music community has sought for some 80-plus years.
Jonathan Lamy"
Oh and gratz on making their blog Mike, pretty cool!
Oh and the radio stations can take a flying leap too.
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Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
Frankly, I am torn on the PRA. I think there are legitimate arguments on both sides of the debate. With that said, I don't think your portrayal of the RIAA's argument is fair, nor is your criticism of it entirely sound. For starters, songwriters are also "benefited" insofar as the radio promotes the sales of music which they collect a royalty on. As such, the logical consequence of your argument is that there should be no public performance right for either performers or authors of music. There are some who advocate for the abolition, entirely, of the public performance right...but it becomes a much more contentious argument than simply saying that performers shouldn't get a cut of the public performance fee because they are already compensated by the promotion of their back-end sales.
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Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
Let's say HBO wants to play a movie. They don't get it for free, they pay for the right to use it - because it is the raw material by which they make money. Radio stations are in the same boat - music is their raw material, it is what they make money from. Without the music, they don't have an audience and therefore no income. It's a pretty simple thing to see.
Mike is a reliable critic alright. That much I agree with them on.
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Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
1)RIAA incuded Artist/Song List
2)Not-RIAA/Independant Artist/Song List
It will probably start small ....
-high school radio station
-college radio station
-small town radio station
-Mid West medium market
Oh no!!!! What do you mean they arent playing Britney on the radio any more? what are we going to do? ....
.... Wait .... I know Celebrate!!!! Hooah!!
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Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
HBO plays the whole movie and that is the end of it.
Radio stations play maybe 1 or 2 songs off the radio, if the rest of your album isn't worth buying you don't deserve to sell anything. Bands also tour and sell other merchandise.
For the band to get anyone to come to their shows they have to be known, and how do you get known you get your music played on the radio. It's just like movies PAY to put their commercials on TV. TV stations don't pay movies to advertise that people should go see and buy the movie, they get paid.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
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Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
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Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
Maybe they should.
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Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
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Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
Note the bold, which is the problem with this industry.
I write code for a living, but yet, I receive no royalties for the "playing" of my application. Imagine, for just a second, what would happen to the world's economy if all jobs were based on a royalty system.
These royalties, along with licenses, is why the RIAA is so upset at "piracy", as they can no longer retain the massive profits generated on "behalf" the artists. Since they're required to pay royalties, their profit margin dwindles.
I feel no pity for an industry which reaped massive amounts of revenue from consumers while doing nothing to change the industry.
Remember, it's RIAA who demanded the price tier from iTunes, increasing the fees for all involved while notably refusing to give any offerings of $0.69 songs. It's now cheaper to buy the $11 CD from Walmart and rip the songs yourself.
And you're having a problem with the PRA? I'm stunned.
To think, ever, RIAA has artists' interest in mind is laughable, and for that, one does have my pity if they believe this.
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Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
"I write code for a living, but yet, I receive no royalties for the "playing" of my application."
Did you ever wonder WHY you don't receive royalties for it? Is it because it isn't original? Is it because you signed an employment agreement that says you won't? Is it because you are an independent contractor and your clients own the software that you write for? Think about which catagory you fall under and then you will know why you don't receive royalties. Because if none of the above is true, you just might be entitled to receive royalties. Oh, but that would mean you actually own something you created and can charge for it. OH NO, Mr. Bill don't do that, it might cost someone money! OOOOH NOOOOOO.....
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Re: Re: Re: Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
Did you ever consider "none of the above"?
Because if none of the above is true...
Good, I'm glad to see you did.
...you just might be entitled to receive royalties.
Oh, goody! Now would you be so kind as to point out the law that says so? Oh wait, you said "might". Well, I guess anything "might" happen. If "might" is good enough for a software writer, why isn't it good enough for a so-called "artiste"?
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Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
By the sound of their argument ("value of radio airplay is exactly equal to the $16 billion"), it sounds like they expect all that money to go straight to the RIAA. No money for the deejays and employees, for the power & infrastructure to even run the station, let alone money the station pays to advertise itself?
I guess they expect the radio stations to sell T-shirts or something...
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Re: from the business model as a "right" department...
I think the RIAA underestimate the value that radio stations add themselves. I've got Jango set up here so the family can listen to nonstop music that's very precisely tuned to our preferences. (It's legal too, apparently!) But they'd still rather listen to the radio every morning because there's entertaining DJ chatter, news, weather, stuff that's on locally.
But what would I know, I'm just a consumer.
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The Music industry has spent YEARS ripping me off. I dont feel sorry for the industry at all. I will be at the funeral though. I will play Music that I havent licensed while we all dance around in enjoyment!!!
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I see you beat me to the punch.
Doesn't that sort of remove one of the largest points of having a blog? Oh well. Another poster also mentioned something along these lines. Removing the blog factor.
It is just another example of how they only care about themselves and nobody else.
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Well...
In the Zombie Apocalypse, the lawyers will be the first to die.
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A couple of questions/thoughts:
Outstanding! How much did they happen to pay you for what is clearly the very definition of intellectual property?
"But, from there they get deep into my mind, and claim that I "like to throw in "RIAA" or "Recording Industry" in headlines to generate clicks.""
This would have actually been humorous is they had backed it up with some of their brand-name falsified data built on mis-assumptions and incorrect extrapolation.
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Mindblogging!
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2. Echoing what another comment said about the "if they make money I deserve some" logic.
3. They say about not charging radio stations: "If this is the price of gaining a minimum level of protection for the future, we are willing to pay it…". So what was that? Buying some time to come back every few years? The RIAA has been accused of that (trying the same tactics over and over and over and over again). I think they're simply confirming by not showing any shame on saying "I'm willing to give up this if you give me that" and then a few years later saying "I want this too!! I deserve it".
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Rather see a debate
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Re: Rather see a debate
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Sounds like another GMausorus!
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http://www.riaaradar.com/
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So Mike, what I think you're trying to say is....
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so I see they don't let people comment
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Tour de
Awesome.
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http://tapthehive.com
On the legislative side, the PRA will never pass. It was easy to beat up on silicon valley and satellite radio with the DPRA in 1995. But the PRA is different because it's the RIAA vs NAB (National Association of Broadcasters). The RIAA only seats constituents in NY and CA, while the NAB has multiple members in virtually every single district of every single Congressman.
As for the RIAA's blog, it's a shame they don't enable comments. A simple bayesian filter would block most "RIAA sucks" trolls.
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Re: http://tapthehive.com
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Well...yes
Well...DUH! OF COURSE thats what they think. These criminally fraudulent radio stations are, after all, trying to PROFIT from the RIAA's music! Why, they are no better than common pirate scum who are fans of music and download it to enjoy it! If music is played, downloaded, hell even LISTENED to, then ALL the money should go to the RIAA...."for the artists," 'natch.
And these dumbshits wonder why everyone is turning on them...
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money, money, money, no work.
Or performers like Jack Ely, 65, who’s never seen a dime from radio stations airing his “Louie Louie” for more than 40 years.
*****
This sentence practically says everything. They want someone who made a song 40 years ago to keep getting money today. So make a big hit, and don't work anymore for the rest of your life. Didn't Jack Ely get proper compensation for his work back then? Why should he get more?
Seems though, they shot themselves on the foot again. Using an example that goes what they are saying. Another dumb mistake. How many times can they screw up?
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RIAA is Irrelevant
The fact that the RIAA blog can not accept commentary from the public is of no surprise. The RIAA does not want to hear anyone's opinion, it's not its function.
As for radio's influence on the music business model, I only listen to talk radio - Did you know that aliens have a galactic trade space platform in Earth orbit? I wonder when the RIAA will sue the aliens for downloading music?
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Say no to radio?
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Doesn't matter if the claims are genuine or not... Sue them for slander and a bunch of other crap. Sue for 80k each comment.
It's what they love to do..
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Already done that
This was already tried. Hear about the Universal/Warner/Youtube indicent? They tried to say that the music played on YouTube was worth more than ALL OF YOUTUBE'S REVENUE COMBINED and demanded they pay up. So, youtube gave them the finger and removed ALL Universal/Warner music. U/W turned around and SCREAMED BLOODY MURDER that now their music wasnt being heard.
This industry SERIOUSLY needs an enema....and a good brain transplant. They just DO NOT get it.
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FAIL.
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keep going!
When all they can do is make up stuff to desperately try to impeach the source, you know they've got nothing. Like any highly entrenched bureacracy, they are immune to sensible thoughts from outside, preferring the comparative safety of their own comfy echo chamber, which keeps getting smaller and smaller. Classic groupthink.
The only trump card they have is that some government officials are as addled as they are, and actually support them.
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Re: keep going!
And by addled, you mean paid, I hope.
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RIAA blog?
The only way that this evil demon will be slain is by boycott.
Come on people only buy used music WITH the jewel cases so you know it's not stolen.
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The RIAA Blows . . .
It's too bad that the RIAA blog leaves no place for comments from users. Seems par for the course for them though. I mean, they don't listen to us fans anyway.
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