You know, it’s rather sad that yet another startup and seemingly “open” service is pushing for taxes that have no basis for being issued in the first place. Why the fuss? Pandora, though not new is still rather young in the current scope of reality. You may remember earlier this year how Pandora was putting up a fight against the RIAA and other cronies in regards to increased webcasting rates as the current monetary plan just wasn’t working for them. The rate was unjustified and stupid. Plain and simple. Well, they backed down, gave in, and subsequently lost all respect in my book. Naturally, the whole process left a sour taste in their mouth as they have as of late been helping the very people they opposed just a few months back…again. If they have to get ripped off, everyone should be ripped off.
The ‘ol switcheroo started in July when Pandora began urging users to support the BS that is the Radio Performance Tax. After a couple weeks of urging, they toned down their efforts to a point that they were pretty much invisible.
- **Any “performance tax” is in all reality a double charge. Radio stations already pay the songwriters to license the music. The added exposure and free promotion should be enough for the actual artist performing the song. Not to mention, whenever anyone, radio stations included, purchases music, a handful of various taxes that supposedly go to the artists and songwriters are already levied. Performance taxes are nothing more than a scam to milk the content further.
As is usual however, the content owners want more money. The stupidity shows no signs of slowing down however as Pandora is again reminding users that they too should support ripping off terrestrial radio and end users alike by supporting the Radio Performance Act.
See what’s going on? Pandora is jealous that terrestrial radio still gets away without having to pay a performance fee while they do. Yes the entire Performance Tax is stupid. Still, just because you got the raw end of the deal and lost your spine, don’t support another tax that chips away at what’s left of the music industry.
Peeved?
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