Ed₃

You’ve heard about the RIAA and it’s rampant suing of those who illegally download music. Whether you agree with their action or not, the RIAA’s need to take legal action is symptomatic of a fundamental problem in the music marketplace. The problem is simple, the industry is not moving with the times and is clinging to old business models and old ideas which no longer apply in the 21st century.

If you’re angered by anti competitive rubbish then look no further than the BBC’s article on opposition to discount CDs. The ability to source products at a lower price than your competitors is an aspect of competition and competition is what drives business forward. The argument that such practice should be outlawed in order to preserve the humble corner record store is ludicrous. It is tantamount to price fixing and anti competitive practice as it allows prices to remain artificially high and businesses which would otherwise fail to compete to flourish.

The business world is not about a “level playing field”. If all businesses were the same, consumers wouldn’t get much choice, would they?

Just thought I’d throw a little post of recommendation in here for a book I’m reading at the moment which I am finding absolutely gripping. An ex marine, Elvis Cole is faced with the task of not only finding the kidnapper of his step son, but to face an adversary of his past who remains a distant memory, one he must recall in order to ensure the boy’s safe return.

While the novel is written with a candid bluntness not uncommon for American action novels, this is by means justifies derision as the fast paced nature of the novel not only precludes extended high brow metaphor but lends a sharpness and sense of adrenaline which can make a refreshing break from the inevitable tranquillity found in the deeper classics.

An intensely gripping read, a page turner to the point of paper cuts. I could not recommend it more.