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Re: [microsound] is the problem distributors... or record stores?

in that regard, the mainstream
model is an amplification of extreme heftiness, a monstruously
disproportionate version of the simple (& rather healthy) exchange of
references happening in underground media.

I'm not sure this is quite true, it seems to me it's the other way around... like many small labels are trying to imitate the larger labels and adopt a method that really only works on a large scale with national distribution, and even then not it's a bit wasteful. Why print 20,000 copies of a disc if you know you're going to have to remainder 10,000 or 12,000 of them just so you shotgun market them instead of focusing your marketing? It may be "economical" in the short run, but long term it drags down the market as a whole, keeps prices high, etc.

As for smaller labels that don't have the same distribution luxuries (and believe me, it's not that easy to get national distribution, at least that wouldn't bankrupt you), mailorder and direct ordering is the primary venue... but of course it requires a change on the part of the consumer. It seems to me if you want to support independent labels/artists you should consider mail or direct ordering. If you wait for these discs to arrive in your neighbourhood store you'll be waiting a long time, because it's never going to happen outside of certain markets.

On the other hand, customer feedback can do wonders for a store's ordering tendencies. The more you talk with store staff the more they know about what you like. I've worked in a number of small shops (mostly bookshops), and had a lot of contact with small record shops, and it's a tricky business to stay afloat in. It's true that an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff makes all the difference, but at that point it's an avocation, not a job... and not every town is lucky enough to have folks with that interest!

Anyway, back to holiday laziness... all the best for 2001 to youse all!

Michael = http:www.foundrysite.com/eM