All those platitudes aside, (shall we start the Lomax argument again as long as we are all getting going????) the issue of protection of one's intellectual property must be dealt with. Despite GregB's sideways slap, he actually has a pretty good handle on it. I don't have a lick of a problem with selling my cuts one at a time. I love the concept of CDBaby, and have watched my good buddy Jed Marum use it, and others, quite effectively. As I continue to march down the path towards my new CD, and my band's new CD, I fully intend to use these outlets. I don't have a problem with free downloads, as long as I authorize them.

Where my problem lies is with those that seek to use all these tired old arguments (like Sandy Mc Lean for whom I otherwise have great respect)to justify stealing. When you let folks act like it is OK, or even justifiable, to steal from them, then what are we to do when they steal from us? Or the Patons over at Folk Legacy? My point is that we must be in control of our product, and our intellectual property, or ultimately we lose the ability to make it.

I love the new era of artists being in control of their destiny. But there is a very real danger in this notion that one is entitled to rip off my product without so much as a tip of the hat.

Mick