a2f2a

For almost 10 years the corporate music industry has been painting a picture of people who share music online as criminals and thieves — hard-core recidivists with no desire to recompense creators. But this is about as realistic as Big Music claims that they care about, and deal honestly with, performers.

Don’t make any mistake. Music lovers want to pay for the music they love.

On a2f2a, they’ll be able to do something that’s never been possible before, on- or offline. They’ll talk directly with artists to cut through the lies and disinformation perpetuated by the corporate music industry.

“If you do decide to post here, be prepared for a hostile reaction,” says Billy. “There are those both within the industry and within the p2p community who do not want this dialogue to produce positive results that will make their entrenched positions indefensible.”

True, with one important underlying qualification: Many posters purporting to be P2P community members are actually corporate shills working for vested interests determined to maintain the status quo. The major labels and their various ‘trade’ organisations such as the BPI, RIAA, IFPI, spend a lot of money on undercover shills paid to pollute forums such as this, and steer people away from subjects under discussion. So don’t automatically assume dissenters and critics are genuine.

You’ve joined a2f2a because you want to be part of the revolutionary plan to unite fans with artists. Say what you want as passionately as you want, but keep it plain and keep it simple. Leave the bullshit and lies to the corporate music industry.

“My participation in this initiative is based on my understanding of two principles that are central to the beliefs of the p2p community,” says Billy “Firstly, that there’s no technological solution to the problems that artists face as a result of the digitisation of music,” and, “Secondly, that P2P users are willing to pay for music if they can be sure that the money is going to the artists whose work they enjoy.”

That’s my position as well. And I’m delighted that at long last, I can be part of the process for change, as well as someone chronicling the crimes of the corporate music industry.

By way of a minor footnote, I am, like many people in the P2P communities, also a musician, albeit not professional. So I know exactly what it takes to be a creator.

For now, Billy and I will be moderating — with a light hand — a2f2a to keep out the fakes and shills and flamers. Eventually, other admins a will be backing us up.

a2f2a may be the first site of its kind. But, we hope, it won’t be the last.

Jon Newton, a2f2a co-founder