possibly noteworthy wrote:
People thought that, by lowering distribution costs, the Internet would reduce the power of the big labels. This has not happened -- because the promotion aspect turned out to be critical as well. I don't know if Pandora will ever become big enough to act as a promotion engine that eclipses the labels' marketing muscle.

Oh I disagree. The promotion aspect IS what the major labels have as their core competency. And yes, that has been transformed. Proof again that the Internet does indeed change everything. What the labels have been fighting tooth and nail over is that control of those promotional and marketing channels (yes, payola cannot be stopped) more than the distribution channels. EMI could give a fuck about Pandora, as long as Pandora doesn't break the next major act. That's EMI's job - to get as many radio program directors, MTV VJ's, and club DJ's sucked off as possible.

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