In 2002, Rolling Stone purchased a stinging ad in the New York Times, in which it sarcastically congratulated record labels for what the magazine sees as anti-consumer behavior. We think the ad, titled “A Big Fat Thanks to Record Execs,” makes a great point. What do you think?
The Text:
A big fat thanks to records execs – Thank you for fighting the good fight against Internet MP3 file-swapping. Because of you, millions of kids will stop wasting time listening to new music and seeking out new bands. No more spreading the word to complete strangers about your artists. No more harmful exposure to thousands of bands via Internet radio either. With any luck they won’t talk about music at all. You probably knew you’d make millions by embracing the technology. After all, the kids swapping were like ten times more likely to buy CD’s, making your cause all the more admirable. It must have cost a bundle in future revenue, but don’t worry — computer are just a fad anyway, and the Internet is just plain stupid. – Rolling Stone