What kind of fucked up world do we live in where Google and Wikipedia take the lead on freedom of expression, on personal rights? That used to be the domain of the artist. Today, Internet companies changed the world. It used to be artists.
But people love Google more than Top Ten bands. They rely on Wikipedia more. Because they’re pure. They don’t compromise their vision or values for instant remuneration. They give back. Hey, you’re using an Android phone, do you know the operating system is free? And sure, Google will make money off of Android ads, but is this any different from selling concert tickets and merch after people hear your music for free?
And speaking of starting off for free…
That’s what Google did. They launched it first and then developed a business model. And it’s still got a freemium model. I’ve been using Google for years and have clicked on exactly one ad. But Google is rolling in dough. Just because you give away your main product for free does not mean you can’t make money. We live in an attention economy, your biggest chore is getting people to listen, not to pay for your music.
And the entire music industry is rotten to the core, riddled with egocentric businesspeople putting themselves first and responding not to music, but money. Don’t listen to a word they say, it’s like asking a child to deny he wants candy, it’s useless.
—Bob Lefsetz, “Which Side Are You On?” (via midnightentity)
(via onahalladay)
