More on mouse and lamp

This, from the Times analysis of the Disney-Pixar deal, is a bit off:

In particular, Mr. Nathanson and others noted, there is the widespread sentiment within the industry that the success of the iPod has benefited Apple and Mr. Jobs far more than it has the music labels, which do not share in the lucrative sales of iPod units.

Hmm. What if that read:

In particular, Mr. Nathanson and others noted, there is the widespread sentiment within the industry that the success of the phonograph has benefited GE and Mr. Edison far more than it has the music labels, which do not share in the lucrative sales of phonograph units.

Well, it wouldn't read like that because there were no music labels to bitch at that point. Technology created the niche in which they exist. If they weren't wasting time whining and suing kids and grandmas, maybe they would have created a digital business plan on their own, and would be reaping fatter rewards by now. The thing is, Apple had to invent online music purchases for them (and also had to go out and almost singlehandedly create the demand for said pay downloads). My guess is that if the music industry exists in the future, it will be due to Apple's work, in much the same way that Edison's was necessary for its creation.