Crystal Ball Provided by Rolling Stone Magazine...Maybe

Over at Rolling Stone, they've got some pretty interesting figures on what the music industry could look like in five years. Could look like, that is, if absolutely nothing about delivery methods and buying habits change. As long as absolutely no one innovates how music is made, delivered, marketed, and listened to. So definitely, I'm sure it'll come to pass. /sarcasm

"You kids, stop innovating out there! Don't make me come get you!" said the feisty old rock 'n roll geezer.

I think people still don't get it. The popular music industry...it had a great run. It lasted far longer than it probably should have (just ask rock star marketer Seth Godin, as he said the same in his book Meatball Sundae. And he's RIGHT.). 50-60 years is really too long to do anything one way. And the real peak was the 1970's, before video games, sugar cereals, and toys for adults gave music any real competition in the marketplace.

And for the record, I still like Rolling Stone. I like that they changed. It proves anyone can do it. Take notice, major record labels.

Here's my reply to that article, in case you were interested. I'm not just a "secret blogger". Let's get our truths out there, shall we?

This, of course, doesn't take into consideration any potential innovation in the market in how music is delivered or played. *gasp* mp3 might not be the end-all-be-all (just like CDs weren't?)?? Even delivery methods like jump drives are getting more consideration in communities where startups and indie labels are coming up with fresh ideas. Five years ago, did we think we'd be hearing about the music industry "dying" (wah, how emo of it) everyday, and not getting a free can of Dr. Pepper seemed to be the biggest problem with that to most listeners?