Not Dead Yet

Yesterday was supposed to be "the day the music died." Apparently it's not quite dead just yet.

Yesterday was the day the new royalty rules for streaming music over the Internet were supposed to take effect. The prediction was that these rules, which were proposing to impose drastically high new payment rates on Internet radio stations, would drive those stations out of business.

However, according to Wired's "Listening Post" blog, while the rules are in effect, the smaller content providers are still negotiating for a more reasonable payment level. And, while they negotiate, the music industry isn't going to sue them for non-payment.

That's good. I admit to being pretty conflicted about this. I've always made my living by writing, and I know only too well that "putting it out there for free" isn't a good way to feed a family. (No, I don't get paid for this blog. That's another story.) On the other hand, I also understand the problems of a small Internet station trying to survive and suddenly faced with the prospect of thousands of dollars in royalty fees. Let's all hope these negotiations continue and reach a conclusion which will satisfy both sides' needs.