Rather, this battle is about making room for new models for doing business, for new ways of thinking. For artists, the Internet means control. Control over how their works get distributed, control over how they are compensated, and control over the future uses of their works. Right now, when a recording artist signs a contract with a major studio, she gives up her copyright in her own work in order to get her work heard or viewed. This model is no longer necessary.
Artists can arrange their own distribution networks-or distribute their works themselves.
They are no longer forced to give up their ownership rights in order to be promoted. No wonder why the MPAA and RIAA are so concerned about the Internet. The old models, which gave the studios all the control, aren't necessary any more. But rather than redefining themselves and coming up with creative ways of ensuring their place in this digital world, they've mounted an all-out legal attack against anyone advancing new models. For one, the artists, whose works are not being legitimately distributed online by the people who are paid to promote them.