6) The record companies (and the RIAA) are only doing their jobs.

It's pretty easy to get upset at our beloved Napster (and other programs like it) being torn from our grasp just as they were becoming a way of life. It's also easy to cry foul at the contracts popular artists are subjected to. But, let's take another step back for a second.

I envy these companies. I applaud them for their success. I support them 100% in their efforts.

I'm a business-minded guy. One of the first things you'll learn in business or economics is this: charge what the market can bear. Any less, and you're just not maximizing your profits. In any contract, there are two parties; if the contracts weren't worth signing, or were so restrictive that the artists wouldn't benefit from them, then they wouldn't sign them. If the market continues to support their contracts, then by all means, continue offering them.

Also, you can't really fault them for leveraging their copyrights and their ownership of the content. It's just good business. The record companies (and the RIAA, since they represent the interests of the labels) are simply doing what any sensible business should (yes, SHOULD) do: protect their interests and maximize their profits. Were I in their position, I would do exactly the same thing.

This doesn't mean it's fair. It doesn't (necessarily) mean it's right. It's capitalism at it's best, though, and in the long run that's a good thing. In much the same way that many people don't like Microsoft's business practices, there's no arguing that Bill Gates is a phenomenal businessman and highly successful.

In short, keep up the good work, guys. I support you wholeheartedly and wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors.

Next: Conclusion

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