Should I be Grateful or Sad?

[JiminRussia]

I was at one of the computer "super stores" today and happened across two CD's. They both had some of the best classic bluegrass that there is featuring The Kossoy Sisters, Hobart Smith, Jimmy Martin, The Osborne Bothers, The Carter Brothers, Bill Monroe and a lot of others that some have forgotten. The two of them cost me a total of $10.00 . Should I be glad that I got them so cheap or sad that the musicians that made this wonderful music got nearly nothing for it?

[Brookside]

There has been plenty of talk around here lately about musicians not getting their due. In many cases I would agree that they are not paid an amount that is proportional to the happiness they have brought to those who appreciate them. They chose to make their livings as artists. Most artists don't reap fortunes from their art. Most artists can't scatch a basic living from their art. This is usually not why they chose to be artists. Perhaps they measure their wealth in terms of doing what they love and sharing it with the world.

I wouldn't be so quick to feel sorry for these artists as I would guess that most of them don't want people saying, "golly, what a shame about your finances." They are big boys and girls who make all of their own financial decisions just like you and me. I think they would prefer my appreciation over my pity. If it really does bother you I would suggest you find a way to make a token financial contribution to them personally, along with a note thanking them for the joy they have brought you. Most of the artists we appreciate are not inaccessible Elvis types. It can be done.

[Songbird]

I understand how you feel. I do hate seeing these really cheap CD's at supermarkets. But I'd rather pay cheap prices for their music than paying £14 here for a single CD. I've bought CD's such as a 4 disc 'Bluegrass Anthology' CD for just over a tenner which has been a great introduction to me, and I'm still getting through the cds at the moment. Its probably selfish of me, but so long as the music is still about and available to buy then I'm all for it.