several candian artists joined forces to create the "Canadian Music Creators Coalition".

it includes artists such as Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan, Chantal Kreviazuk, Sum 41, Stars, Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), Dave Bidini (Rheostatics), Billy Talent, John K. Samson (Weakerthans), Broken Social Scene, Sloan, Andrew Cash and Bob Wiseman (Co-founder Blue Rodeo).

they have 3 guiding principles:

1. Suing Our Fans is Destructive and Hypocritical

2. Digital Locks are Risky and Counterproductive

3. Cultural Policy Should Support Actual Canadian Artists

i think all 3 prinicples are great. and i hope leading american artists will come together and start a similar movement in the US.

from principles #1 & #2 it is clear that according to their principles users will be able to download and share music freely. the question is what is their suggested business model? (it can't be #3..). since more and more users are coming online, and within a couple of years every user with a mobile phone (i.e. everyone) will be able to download and share files. so they are basically giving up the opportunity to make money from selling their music to users (over a $13B industry). this also destroys the ringtone market ($5B industry)

i am all for it. i just don't understand from where do they think they will make money (beside doing tours, appearing in commercials, and launching their own fragnance/fashion brand)