"Glory Is Fleeting, But Obscurity Is Forever"

I've recently been turned on to the Lefsetz Letter, an obsessively updated blog devoted to goings on in the music industry.  Bob Lefsetz is an industry veteran - the Lefsetz Letter started as a print column 25 years ago - and for an old timer he seems to have a refreshingly progressive view: subscription services are the future, artists need to quit whining about lost revenue and embrace creative alternatives, etc.

"Obscurity Is Your Friend" is his latest column - though, with the man's prolific way with a keyboard there are liable to be 5 or 6 more by the time I finish typing this - and one of his most visionary, I think.  I strongly encourage anyone interested in media consumption to read the whole thing, but in summary his position is that the traditional hitmaking machinery is malfunctioning in the internet era; with hundreds or even thousands of blogs potentially covering you, more publicity just means a sped up period of scrutiny under which you are evaluated and then either lionized or discarded.  There is no room for artist development at that level of exposure.  You'd better be ready for prime time because if you come with a half assed, unfinished product there is no time for second chances.  Your product will be chewed up and spit out before you have time to finish your cup of coffee, let alone book another studio.