well, what's happening is that labels below a certain threshold of popularity are dying. minus, ostgut, ghostly, cocoon, etc. are not dying; they're doing quite well.

that means that the as the means of creating and distributing techno has democratized, the ability to be compensated for making it has gone in the opposite direction. you have to be part of the 'aristocracy' to make money off releases.

that's a good reason for someone to want to give their music away, but i think if that got really widespread quickly, if would just further the above trend.

i like the idea of giving some music away, and supporting labels with other music. like when dr. schmidt gave that electro track away. i had no idea who he was, but now i do. i will listen to his tracks on juno, beatport, etc. now.