This discussion makes me wonder if an annual panel q/a kinda thing at IPO (at least at the one in L.A.) wouldn't be a bad idea?  We could have representatives from all of the facets of the biz that apply to this -- indie retailers, labels, DIY musicians, indie signed musicians, distributors, radio pd's, promoters and most importantly -- music fans.  I'd think that the purpose would be to brainstorm solutions to some of the problems/roadblocks that a lot of us are experiencing in all aspects of this.  Panels like this go on all the time at SXSW, etc., but those discussions aren't available to the fans, and those are the people that should be empowered now.
 
I recall the last time we did this, Ray Paul basically told us that resistance is futile and we'd all be assimilated.  Lol!
 
Anyway, what do you think, David?  Does anyone else think that would be helpful?
 
W.