A Record Deal You Can't Refuse

MAFIAA - Music And Film Industy Association of America

It's official! Well not really, this is an April Fools gag, but the sentiment is very real. According to the press release the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced the historic merger of the two organizations. The newly-created entity is being called the Music And Film Industry Association of America, Inc. or the aptly abbreviated MAFIAA. This will allow them to create a stronger focus on pursuing their precious copyrights and streamline their government lobbying efforts.

I find it amazing that when the technology arrived for the streamlined distribution of their material (songs and movies) and the possiblity of a greatly improved economy of scale, they go ahead and think they can charge the same price for their work despite it not being on a CD and shipped to a shop somewhere. Instead, the charge 1.99 per song and they want to retain control over the product after you have purchased it using digital rights management (DRM). Slowly, I feel we are being watched more and more.

It's the signs of a dying industry when the powers that be can't adapt properly. Bring on the time when the kid's stop buying the corporate bubblegum crap, all artists can produce their own music and we'll buy straight from them! Karaoke Idols can sing at the local pub!