Dear Kittens and Tungboy,
I can see both sides of the issue on this matter. And here is why:
First, I absolutely believe in rewarding hard work and talent. I am
one of the few people who still buys CDs. If I like an artist, I get
all of their CDs, and I go see their concerts. Neil Young alone has
almost bankrupted me.
However, there are times when posting songs like those of young Tom
helps bring an artist to a wider audience. There is no chance in hell
we'd ever hear Tom on American radio or TV. To find him on YouTube,
you first have to know what to look for, right? I hadn't heard of Tom
until our Kittens introduced him to The Fort last week. I checked out
his website and got some great pictures. I was waiting until I some
time to dedicate to him to listen to a couple of his clips online.
Tungboy's post (and the subsequent squabble) gave me the opportunity
and reason to listen to one of his songs.
OMG! He has a MUCH more mature and soulful voice than I ever could
have imagined. I was blown away and instantly understood why both of
you are attracted to him. I am going to purchase his CD and everything
I can get ahold of from Tom.
A case in point: I had never heard of Libera. In 2004, someone posted
one of their songs for me. I was dumbfounded. I'd never heard anything
so beautiful before. I quickly bought up every Libera CD available.
But that's part of the problem, Libera CD's aren't that easy to come
by in America, just as Tom's aren't yet. So when they would release a
new CD I would download the songs in the groups and enjoy them because
it might be a couple of months before I could get my hands on a copy.
But I bought them, I gave them away as gifts, I bought their DVDs, I
saw them in concert, I met some of the boys and spoke with them, I'm
even friends with one of them in real life. At first Robert Prizeman
was angry that the songs were available on usenet. Then he came to
realize that it brought the boys to a wider audience. Their CD sales
are extremely strong worldwide and folks flock to their performances.
They are International stars. THAT is what we want for Libera and that
is what we want for Tom. This isn't the first time boy's songs have
been shared here. This is where I met Joseph McManners, Michael Jr.
has played The Fort and posted here too! And let us not forget Aaron
Carter!
As far as I can tell, so far Tungboy has sold at least four CDs for
Tom, including the one he bought. I am willing to bet that many others
will be turned on to Tom K after hearing one of the CD cuts.
So, I guess I'm on the fence about sharing songs in the groups. I see
the upside and the downside. Ultimately, I believe that the exposure
that Tom is receiving in The Fort will boost his sales and broaden his
appeal.
So as a fence sitter: Thank you Tungboy for sharing the wonderful Tom
Klijbroek CD, I'm buying a copy too. And thank you to the Fort Kittens
for bringing Tom K to our attention and standing up for him
vociferously. Right now he is hearing the *cha-ching* of hard currency
in his dreams.
Have A Beautiful Day,
Doc
NP-f31
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