I don't blame libraries or radio stations for embracing modern formats, but
it does leave us with decades of recordings (I'm primarily thinking
historical reissue LPs) with little market incentive.
I too wish that all of the old record companies (many of which no longer
exist) would put their entire back-catalogs on itunes and amazon, but
sometimes you've got to stop wishing and start doing. I really think we're
past the time for petty IP squabbles over materials for which all of the
original performers, composers, recordists and engineers are deceased. I
don't think blogging mp3s will solve everything, but it's more accessible
than private collections or ILL.
I've been hesitant to suggest this role on this list since some people aired
concerns over me distributing scans of "Record Research" magazine a few
months back, but FMiA has had a pretty good reception, so here goes - If
you've got out of print / off-market records that you feel need to be
available but don't know how to put them online or don't want to take the
risk yourself, get in contact with me off-list and we'll talk. I've got all
the time in the world, but not a whole lot to work with.
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