"The Internet generally (and peer-to-peer file sharing technology in particular) is dramatically shaking up the traditional relationships between artist and audience, as well as the entities that mediate between them. It makes possible direct dissemination of creative works with essentially no reproduction or distribution costs. That is very exciting, but frightening to the mediators who have added value by helping with the previously costly processes of copying and distributing. Artists can still benefit from many promotional, business and financing services in the wired world, so we are not necessarily facing the extinction of record companies and movie studios, obviously. But I hope that we are moving toward a system where artists and the audience drive the process more, have more choice. That is the hope. If the business mediators can find supportive, value-adding roles (as they should be able to), and if the artists and the audience can have a more direct relationship through this media, we need not have an adversarial relationship. Quite the contrary. I believe this technology can foster a closer relationship between performing artist and audience than we have ever had since Edison separated artistic performance from live performers. I hope to help that happen."

im surprised as well to hear hatch articulate a non corporate argument. maybe his career as a crooner has taught him something. orrin hatch sings!
- dave 9-21-2000 3:40 pm