Greg Kot’s Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music is a must-read for those interested in how economics combined with listener actions have led the traditional music industry to its present morass. And therefore, the subtitle should be: How the music industry decided short-term profits were more important than life-long fans.
While I prefer a more linear style, the book is written in chapters focusing mostly on one artist or group per chapter — which makes sense, considering this is a work of music journalism. I appreciate that Kot, a non-lawyer, explains the law and cases correctly (yet with the dismayed “this is really the law?!?” tone needed). And while not using the terminology of one thousand true fans, he explores what having dedicated fans means for bands now — versus under the old regime.
But there are some seriously odd moments while reading as a fan. I’m not really sure why when describing the backstory of Metallica, Dave is mentioned, but there is literally no mention of Kirk! (Or Cliff. Or Jason.) But I’m digressing…
I expect a certain degree of errors in any work, but please, dude, know your halos! Any NIN fan knows that Broken counts. Especially when writing about T.R.’s dealings with record companies.
Filed under: 1000 true fans, Nine Inch Nails, OK Go, Radiohead, Trent Reznor, book review, books, consumers, copyright, fandom, music, recording industry, remix culture, riaa, the best fan or customer is mad, the recording industry is hastening its own slow death, we own it we can do what we want | Tagged: 1000 true fans, book, book review, consumers, copyright, fandom, music, Nine Inch Nails, OK Go, Radiohead, recording industry, remix culture, riaa, the best fan or customer is mad, the recording industry is hastening its own slow death, Trent Reznor, we own it we can do what we want
