I agree with this too, although I think part of what feeds this machine of downloading from the internet, not buying cd's, cd's costing too much, etc., is that the record companies create these 'one hit wonders'. The kids refuse to buy a cd for one song. I have two sons, 20 and 21, and have had many discussions with them and their friends about this subject. They all feel that no album is worth it because there is usually only one or two songs they like. And they think there is nothing wrong with downloading for free for that reason. There is alot to be said for true talent, both in songwriting and in singing/playing ability. Hence the media frenzy for someone like John Mayer who looks to be the real deal. I think this is all created by the record companies, frankly, although I could be wrong. It seems like a huge, vicious cycle that gets worse and worse. But I still shelled out $160 for two tickets to see Sting. I wouldn't pay that for Billy Joel, granted he's talented, but the seats were BEHIND the stage, in the nosebleed section of an arena, and the same price. At least with Sting it's a small venue, and maybe I'll be able to see his nose hairs! ttfn Michelle in Michigan ----- Original Message ----- From: Gary Schmitz To: police list Sent: 11/19/2003 11:57:01 PM Subject: [Police] cd prices Amaryll hit the nail on the head. The record companies suck. I'd rather download the album from the net and send the artist a dollar rather than driving to the record store and spending an hour's labor for the cd, only a few pennies of which the artist will ever see from the record companies. I think the biggest reason for music piracy is the fact that cd's cost too damn much. Amaryll said...

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I remember when CD's were first introduced the record companies said that as soon as cd's became mainstream the prices would drop, because it is a LOT cheaper to manufacture cd's than the old LP's and cassettes. This never happened. The prices stayed the same, and even increased in some cases, with the record companies pocketing all that extra revenue. I have no sympathy at all for the record companies. And now, with two of the world's largest record companies, BMG and SONY , about to merge, ( that is, if the senate antitrust committee approves the merger) we will be all the more at their mercy.<<