Arnold Kling

Business Models for Music

Arnold Kling, Great Questions of Economics
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The music industry acts as if the current business model is the only one that is viable. They argue that music file sharing systems will destroy the incentive to create new music. Some alternative business models are listed by Kevin Kelly.

  • A generator box breeds background music tailored to your personal tastes; the music is supplied by third-party companies that buy the original songs from the artists.
  • Because you like to remix dance tunes, you buy the versions of songs that are remix-ready in all 24 tracks.
  • You'll pay your favorite band to stream you its concert as it is playing it, even though you could wait and copy it at no cost later.

He lists many more.

Discussion Question. Is it possible for Congress to protect the current business model without inhibiting the emergence of newer business models?

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