[ScottWhigham]

"Unless and until the tech industry can do this, and help develop new ways for artists to empower themselves, the self-righteousness will backfire, the way it did for musicians who railed for generations against the powers that be and are now left with

I'm also a musician and software developer but I don't agree that there are "less employment opportunities in the industry than at any time in the last 100 years." That is just ludicrously false. You're saying that, in the Great Depression, to pick an obvious example, times were better and easier for musicians? Or during World War I? Or WWII?

Sorry - I think this is the golden age for being an artist. Never before has it been so easy to record and distribute. I can self-record as many albums as I want today for $3000 worth of pro-sumer level gear. I can print physical copies of the CDs for $1.50-$2 each and sell them for $10 at shows or make $7 by selling them online. I can sell digital copies for $0 upfront cost to me. I can have a free website with any number of sites. I can post my events on Facebook at no charge.

I'm sorry - I 100% disagree with you here.

[shoham]

That's OK. I think for hobbyists it's a great time, but for making money, it's not so good out there, especially because of technology-- almost all entertainment is not just free, it's available on demand 24/7 at home, so people don't go out to shows like during the depression.

Just what I've seen from my experience over the last 15 years, and what I hear from peers.

On another note, let me know what you think about what we're doing with Feed-Forward: http://www.feed-forward.net I think you might like it. One benefit is we don't take any cut from your sales (digital or otherwise).

Take care! -Shoham

[ScottWhigham]

"I think for hobbyists it's a great time, but for making money, it's not so good out there, especially because of technology"

Again - I 100% disagree, for all of the same reasons I listed above. I respectfully will just tell you flat out that you are wrong - 100% wrong. Hobbyists who aren't worth a crap - yes, it's tough for them to make money. True musicians who can play and write amazing music can make more now than ever before. There are more avenues to make money today also - it's not just CD sales and live shows anymore. Now it's merch, DVDs, writing, lessons, television/movies, internet collabs.

You are just naive or willfully obstinate if you tell us that you think differently.

Sorry - I have no desire to check out your site since we see things so differently. I wish you the best but I don't see why I would check it out.