From: hannon@umbc4.umbc.edu (Mr. Scott Hannon; PHYS (GRAD))
Subject: Re: Bootlegs: Prices
Organization: University of Maryland Baltimore Campus, Academic Computing Services
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1992 15:32:52 GMT

In article <1992Apr8.035041.17890@predator.vpharm.com> dap@predator.vpharm.com
(David A. Pearlman) writes:
[deleted, discussing bootleg prices]
>And you think the prices in stores are reasonable??? Consider this: The
>bootleg costs the bootlegger very little to produce. The master tapes are
>usually either free or very cheap. They pay no royalties. They pay no
                                    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is not always true. I've seen a few boots which claim a royalty fee
was paid (in the fine print on the CD booklet). Its obviously not beyond
the realm of possiblity they are lying, but whats the point? I have also
noticed many boots from Italy with some sort of official looking stamp (in
red ink) on the back of the CD artwork (under the jewel box). Does anyone
know what that is about...royalties?...taxes?...export?

>studio fees. They pay no promotion. The only costs are the packaging and
>artwork. Probably $1.50-$2.00 each total. TOPS.

But also consider the limited print run...we're talking a few thousand
copies, not many tens of thousands. Also, some of the boot companies
actually try and do some serious noise reduction (Swinging Pig), and
this does involve some expensive studio-type equipment. But $2 sounds
about right (I'd say $3 tops).

That said, most boot makers don't seem at all concerned about quality...the
only noise reduction from many is to turn down the treble! Also, they tend
to rip each other off...it is not at all rare to hear a CD bootleg that is
nothing but a poorly transcribed vinyl boot...pops, clicks, and if you're
really unlucky, skips! Example : David Bowie and Jeff Beck : Live in London
1973 by SGRS. This may be THE worst boot EVER for a variety of reasons!

>By the time you buy one, you are paying $20-$40. Is that resonable??
[deleted]

I generally agree...the prices are usually extremely high. Considering
the quality (read: lack of) of most boots, they are no bargin for the
consumer. I recommend if you are going to buy boots (and I am NOT
recommending you do!), try and get some info on it before you buy it.
Look around for group/artist mailing lists, etc. Post a message here,
etc. Also, you might be able to find someone willing to trade a cassette
copy of the boot, so you may not need to buy it at all. 

I suspect boots are expensive for some other reasons not yet mentioned.
They are somewhat illegal here in the USA, so shipments may be confiscated
and fines paid. Also, they are European imports, and in Europe CDs (in
general, not just boots) seem to sell for around $18-20. Also, by keeping
the prices high, distribution limited, and thus number of units sold low,
the bootleggers don't unduly upset the record companies. Anyone who hunts
around for a bottleg dealer, and is willing to spend $20-40 for a poor
quality boot is probably a fanatic and already has all that artists
legitimate releases.

In a sense, bootlegs are there own punishment.

Scott.
-- 
Scott Hannon, Wed Apr 8 1992 (hannon@umbc4.umbc.edu)