Radiohead live

In October 2007, Radiohead – one of the biggest bands on earth – released their new album for free download on their website.  No label, no price.  My first thought was “Way to go, Radiohead!  Thanks for sticking it to the man and fighting for us little people!”

I love anything that feels pure to the art and anti-institution.  But then I started to think about all the big 1980s bands who earned a ton of money for their record labels…allowing them to take risks on little unknown bands like Radiohead in 1992.  Without George Michael’s earnings in the 80s, we might not have Sigur Ros or White Stripes or Radiohead.  When money gets sparse, risk is the first thing to get cut.

Radiohead’s development was funded by Huey Lewis’s sales.  It’s a shame that they won’t pass on the favor.

Seth Godin

Fast forward to today.  Seth Godin announced (here) that he will no longer be releasing books in the traditional format.  This author of 12 best-sellers believes that the book industry is just too broken (and besides, he no longer needs it.)  He wrote on his blog:

“Traditional book publishers use techniques perfected a hundred years ago to help authors reach unknown readers, using a stable technology (books) and an antique and expensive distribution system.”

He may be right, but being reminded of Radiohead, my first thought was “Come on, Seth, you just hurt the chances of many undiscovered writers.  Very selfish move.”

But since I’m a contrarian – even to myself – I have to wonder if Seth is right.  What if the publishing industry is too broken to be fixed?  What if the biggest gift he could give future writers is to stop propping up an archaic system and just let it fail? Something new and exciting and forward-looking will arise from the ashes – it always does! – but not until the old is gone.

So do you think Radiohead (and Seth?) are selfishly forgetting where they’ve come from…or prophetically pushing us into a better future?