Putting it all in perspective (Score 1)

I am only a moderate fan of Metalica, but I know plenty people who have spoken to me at length on the issue, enough so that I can concretely form an opinion and a stance. I've come to wonder how a band, who in the past has been 'all about the fans' has pulled a total 180 and decided to pioneer such a bold move. This does not sound like the Metallica many have come to know and love. I think that maybe the same person(s) responsible for such things as 'Hanson' and the 'Spice Girls' is also at work behind the scenes of this fiasco.
In truth, I think that the mp3 format has done much to bolster the music industry. I recall hearing that the music industry, despite their complaints of lost sales, has a great year in terms of albums sold, with a projected INCREASE of sales. So what is the problem? I am wiling to bet the farm Metallica is far from going hungry due to insufficent funds, Dr. Dre, too.
Truth be told, I have bought more CD's, and of various genres, since I have access to almost any concieveable song writen in the past 40 or so years. The record companies defeat themselves, and I'll tell you how. Record Moguls, are you taking notes? (1) The market serves only to target groups that are seen as profitable per music genre, when in truth, that Puff Daddy fan could become a closet Korn worshiper, and vice versa. The advent of MP3's allows that person to sample a taste of what's on the record to find out if that's really what they want. And once you're hooked on a band, all you want is more. Trust me, this isn't just speculation. I live in the real world, it works. (2) This is horrible PR. By allowing these kind of actions by bands, it alienates the fans, who will in turn follow the bands that are embracing the digital revolution, and they are out there. These will be your big sellers of the future.
It is time for the dinosuars to roll over and die. Sometimes progress is inevitable, to fight it is to make yourself obsolete. And all of the debate over digital music between fat hog corporatiana and middle class 12 to 24 internet surfers is going to come to a close very soon. I don't think anyone needs to be reminded who ultimately needs to win.