Alan Ratcliffe wroteFair enough. But it's a partnership - and why should the partner who originates the product only get 5% of the profits (or nothing in many cases) while the other makes money hand over fist?
That's a very good question and one that the partner who originates the product should be asking himself before he enters into that partnership.
Alan Ratcliffe wroteGranted, most musos are not as worried about the money and the boring paperwork, legalities and basically anything that does not involve making music directly. But should that fact be taken as tacit agreement that they should be ripped off and only start making money when they go platinum for the second or third time, while their record company has already made tens of millions?
Look, I'll agree that music labels are often very unethical and I find that despicable. The reason that I'm not more outspoken about it is perhaps just because I've never been personally affected by it. But that someone would sign away his soul just because he couldn't care less about the boring paperwork is really no excuse. When I bought my first house, I was terrified by all the paperwork and I didn't understand a fraction of it. I knew however that it was the most expensive thing I've ever purchased and I'd need to make sure I understand what I'm signing. So I got someone to explain it to me, EVERYTHING. I was more interested in living in the home than understanding all the boring paperwork but the fact is, it was still my signature that went onto those contracts and I simply couldn't put it there without knowing what the contracts said.
Alan Ratcliffe wroteIf someone does not know how much their '59 Les Paul is worth and sells it for a fraction of it's worth, we don't say, "well, it's your fault for being stupid" do we? We rail at the guy that "took advantage" of his innocence.
I don't. What is right and what is wrong or what is ethical and what not can be debated long and hard but I'll tell you this. If I happen to cross paths with a dude who's clearing his inherited attic and flogs a '59 LP for R3,000, you can bet your bottom dollar I will pounce on that opportunity.
