An Open Letter to Spotify.com
Hello to my friends at Spotify and its executive leadership.
Please pass on my message to a decision-maker who can make a difference in Spotify as an important platform.
I am a very loyal and happy customer with you. It has made a huge difference by leaps and bounds in my life. So, first, you deserve a very, very grateful “Thank you!”
I came to Spotify after subscribing to Amazon Music for more than a few years. I was disappointed in myself contributing to a company whose business model I believe is not in the best interest of the direction of our country. I assume you, Spotify’s company leaders, believe in fair and equal competition in business, as well as fairness to all people and diversity in our society, and in LOVE. After all, in music, your main content, this is a prevailing theme.
I have never been moved to write and share my feelings with you. Everything has been great. Until now.
I was stunned and upset to find you have removed the highly creative works of my favorite singer, Joni Mitchell, and long-time hero, Neil Young.
Now, for me, there is no comparison between Mitchell and Young’s inspirational lyrics and music, versus Joe Rogan. Their music shook a nation — still does hopefully for the younger generation. Their value and contribution to the 1960s Peace Movement helped end a War. Joe Rogan?
I have no idea what went into your calculation to refuse Young’s demand that it either be him or Rogan that triggered his and Mitchell’s decisions to cancel their contracts. You may have done everything in your power to retain Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. What do I know?
But if by any chance you didn’t, please hear me out…
We live in an incredibly delicate and remarkable time when pissed-off people who either can’t control their impulses, or need to grow up, or both, are driving democracy into the ditch.
Joe Rogan? Seriously. I was moved once to listen to a few of his podcasts, curious as to why he has so many followers. “Persuasive Radio” charisma talker that he is, I did not see what millions of listeners were attracted to. But, who am I?
I have not listened to him since, and have no idea how divisive he has become, if, indeed, Young is right about that.
For me — and please, tell me if you disagree — the question boils down to the choice between peace and love, and, well… Joe Rogan.
I have absolute faith in your belief in peace and love. But are you when it comes to the bottom line? I don’t know your financial situation. And who am I to tell you to do the right thing. After all, you came up with the idea for this streaming platform. And I followed. And, maybe you have explored your heart and come up with what you believe is the right decision. But in the teeny chance you haven’t explored all options and ideas — i.e. perhaps Neil Young has a point, or that for practical reasons he could begin a run on the bank — please, please continue to hear me out...
It may sound cheap coming from someone who struggled his whole life to make a living, and choose, more than once, money over integrity (not too low, though). We all have to learn. I’m long retired and have come to many understandings about myself and our world I could have used when I was making money, and now reaping the rewards with monthly social security and pension checks.
Again, who am I to ask you to consider anything? I’m just one of a million customers. But, In my day, the customer… Never mind.
Please, consider this if you haven’t already, which I’m sure you have: “Do the right thing and you’ll reap your rewards in gold.” By the way, I forgive you if you didn’t think of it. I just made it up.
On second thought, you may better relate to, “Build it, and they will come.” So, here we are. It’s your move.
