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Just a question, does this really hur the indie band all that much. Most of the times solid indie bands were screwed anyway. Their fans are good enough, for the most part, to purchase and see them in concert. Many times they don't rely on record sales anyway. I think this is more about the mid-tiered artist than the complete low level indie or the uber-popular Pop artists.

you're right. Indie fans are generally loyal enough to not rob their favorite bands blind. there was that article in Esquire that showed how even a successful indie band is not doing very well financially, but let's face it, Black Flag didn't live high on the hog either. The bands that don't really have a profit motive can at least survive for a few years before flaming out. Which is how it always was.

But it is the mid-tiered bands that are getting crushed. They simply don't exist anymore. Look at Aerosmith's career. It would be impossible today. they never, ever, ever would've made it to Toys in the Attic. They couldn't have survived those early years putting out moderate sellers on a major label. That doesn't happen now. It's the "middle class" who has been destroyed. They are also the ones least willing or able to pull their material. They have to play ball or starve.

Cult TV shows are able to stay on the air right now because they can sell DVD's despite poor ratings. It used to be syndication, but now its DVD sales.

While I agree TV distribution could be better, its probably the best its ever been. We get great shows and all are relatively easy to get. Many shows are available on Netflix streaming (except for HBO, which is its own kettle of fish). But if we want lavish HBO shows, we need to pay for it. I can't blame HBO for keeping Game of Thrones within their own universe so they can make money off of it. That show isn't made for free.