there's an effort to make an independent artist #1 on iTunes today
http://bumrushthecharts.blogspot.com/
(dunno if it's a scam or not, but it's an interesting idea)

also, there was an interesting story on NPR a while back about recording technology, including some mention of the fact that some people were upset when it came along and changed the way people experienced music (from gathering around and playing/singing to just listening). Music will always be around. The Recording Industry won't.
The Roots of Audio Recordings Turn at 78 RPM by Susan Stamberg
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story Id=6645723
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=1019

And what I was saying is that standard of living changes depending on location. I expect a lower salary for the same job if its moved from Bay Area to Nebraska, because the cost of living is so much lower. You can live in Nebraska on $40k as well as you can live in Bay Area on $60k.

If its any comfort, even though this is true, Silicon Valley still exists.