The Internet makes it possible to finally
solve the music industry’s gatekeeper problem at its root, by expanding the supply of
people evaluating music.
Taste mavens can work on an independent
basis, posting their recommendations online in order to be paid a small share of the
revenue whenever someone buys music based on them.
Since the user gets to pick the taste maven whose taste he trusts, the
taste maven whose judgment people trust most can make a significant amount of money. (Those whose tastes people don't trust won't make
anything.)
Unlike the current arrangement, where the
major record labels task a mere handful of salaried employees with accommodating the
tastes of vast segments of the population, the new system will provide an army of
independent entrepreneurs focusing on more narrowly defined sets of tastes and values and
interests. More consumers’ tastes
will be met, more musicians will earn a living, and more music will be sold overall.
We are also likely to see a proliferation
of new ideas and approaches—a typical offshoot of enabling more people to participate
in any field of endeavor.
Who knows what sort of innovative new forms
may arise?
Who can tell what type of contemporary
Renaissance may result from the reinvigoration?
© COPYRIGHT 2003
ROBERT WINTER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
There is a viable new way to provide the music industry with the gatekeepers it needs.
