Show me your papers, please

[greatbear]

Got some used CDs that you'd like to unload? Is there a store nearby that buys used CDs for cash to resell them? Well, get hopping, because there are a bunch of new laws in several states on the way (or already in place) that will make the process of selling those CDs not much different than trafficking in in small arms or getting arrested. While these laws also petain to goods for sale besides CDs, the laws seem to be directed quite a bit at an ever-expanding used CD market more than traditionally 'pawned' items:

In Florida, the new legislation requires all stores buying second-hand merchandise for resale to apply for a permit, would be required to thumb-print CD sellers and get a copy of their state-issued identity documents, such as a driver's license. Furthermore, stores could only issue store credit -- not pay cash -- in exchange for traded CDs, and then would be required to hold them for a 30-day period, before re-selling them.

It's no secret that the music industry absolutely detests the notion of used CD sales, as they dont get a cut of sales subsequent to the initial purchase. Time and time again, any push to curtail or ban used CD sales were met with government and popular resistance. These days, however, the music industry more and more gets the government to do the dirty work for them. This, my friends, is only the tip of an ever-expanding iceberg.

On the flip side of this particular coin (or disc, as it may be), those who make their own CDs or DVDs, for whatever purpose, better stock up on blank media. It seems that prices might be on the rise as the year progresses.

Comments

[b-a-n-d-i-t.livejournal.com]

gotta love the RIAA.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

At some point, be it now or after Bush is out of office, the RIAA will get too big for it's own britches and be shot down, plain and simple.

While I don't condone what some are doing with downloads and such, there will be a limit to what they, the recording industry can do without stiffiling creativity to the point that people won't buy their CD's to begin with.

[otterdaemmerung.livejournal.com]

Some of us progressive rock fans are already doing that. Since the major labels have nearly universally shunned prog-rock, we have to increasingly buy our music from small and independent labels. Each CD I buy from them is one less I'm buying from a member of the RIAA establishment, and the music's so much better too.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

True, since the mid 90's or so, mainstream music has not done so well as compared to the independent artists, labels and such.

[grunter.livejournal.com]

Spearheaded no doubt by the music industry folks all gung-ho for the coming digital distribution ONLY age.

This makes me very, very, very unhappy.

[madhugger.livejournal.com]

So.. why do people unload their CDs in the first place... to get rid of something they really didn't care for to begin with. So what will happen now, people will buy less knowing they would be stuck with that tiny investment. To be able to get new music they will in turn illegal downloads so not to put any money into it the risk. Looks like the music industry and really screwing themselves and the artists. Gotta love FL where paranoia breeds in government.
Oh, just a note RIAA does not track indie sales when it mentions how sales of CDs are down. Actaully CD sales have been on the increase the past 2 years thanks to MP3 players - just more of it is indie stuff.

Then again, there are those schmucks who buy CDs, rip them then sell the CD while still enjoying the music with their digital devices. Those folks do ruin it for others.