Thanks to Bruce @ Hypebot for pointing out this article about EMI's desire to cut back on RIAA funding. If the article is correct, then I am stunned.  I thought the RIAA's annual budget was about $5M.  If the RIAA has $100 million USD to play with each year then what a freaking waste of money!  Sorry RIAA staff, the labels are pushing you in the wrong direction?  The RIAA has this blurb on their website (below):

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality. Its members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAA members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States.

What does "PROMOTE CREATIVE VITALITY" mean?  Honestly, I don't give a hoot about the lawsuits; but if you have a budget of $100M and you are charged with promoting creative vitality then what are you doing?   How many artists do you all know that are surging on creative vitality?  None!  The average artist gets more out of can of Red Bull then your efforts.

The vitality of anything begins at caring for the "roots".  The root of every label is the pipeline of artists that will hopefully become rock stars someday.  Some of the most talented people out there are postponing the dream because the economics of this business are currently terrible.  Here's how the RIAA can nurture vitality:

Stop right now - any effort that is directed in any way - at saving the CD.  Yes - labels - I realize you want to squeeze every last penny out of CDs, but what about the future?

Reexamine the value of the MP3.  The MP3 can not be the future of this business.  The MP3, as a technology, does not transport enough value.  If you don't understand this statement then find someone to explain it.

Invest in innovation.  The industry must create desirable digital products that generate high-margin, reocurring revenue.  Boom! There is not another thing that is more important to every artist.    

I don't usually rant, but come on.  How can you have a $100 million dollar budget and have so little impact on your members.  Readjust and have a clue!