4.04.2011

RIAA MPAA Killing Innovation

Another brick in the Amazon Cloud road I've been tromping down.

Innovation has emerged as a key means by which the US can pull itself out of this lackluster economy. In the State of the Union, President Obama referred to China and India as new threats to America's position as the world's leading innovator. But the threats are not just external. One of the greatest threats to the US's ability to innovate lies within: specifically, with the music and movie business. These Big Content businesses are attempting to protect themselves from change so aggressively that they risk damaging America's position as a world leader in innovation.

This is self evident to anyone who's been paying attention over the last decade or so. I grow happier with my characterization of the RIAA as orphaned vandals of a drowned empire with each passing day, and the MPAA is no better.

But that's capitalism for you.

What's the motivation for entrenched interests to embrace newcomers and their weird, innovative ways when burning down their villages is easier?

Regulars may recall my thoughts on the NYT paywall- same principal. Protecting the status quo isn't a long term winner, but it's comfortable and an easier sell to the board.

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