I read Don's recent statements about how the amateur videos on YouTube will be pulled. However, I disagree with this decision. I think that the videos on YouTube actually HELP rather than hurt the Eagles. Here's why:
1) They generate interest in going to see shows. Some YouTube users might not even know the Eagles are touring. Now they do.
2) They generate interest in the album. Hearing a live version of "Somebody" might make someone want to get the GOOD version.
3) They do not affect ticket sales negatively, but positively (see #1). Anyone who is content to watch shaky, out of focus videos taken with a cell phone was never going to spring for the tickets in the first place. Taking the videos off of YouTube won't change that. On the other hand, people who were on the fence can see that it's worth it. Does the band really think people are saying, "Yeah, I really wanted to see the Eagles live, but now that I can see a blurry figure in the distance in a small square on my computer with barely discernible audio, I have no desire to see the real thing."
4) They do not affect album sales negatively, quite the contrary (see #2). Again, anyone who is content with a low-quality version of the song where the people singing and the crowd noise mostly drowns it out wasn't about to go to Walmart and get the album. They either don't care enough or are too poor.
5) If releasing a top quality video like Hell Freezes Over or Farewell 1 didn't make people stay home from those shows, why would the "releases" of these crap quality videos be a problem?
6) Pulling the videos generates ill-will among younger fans and damages the band's image.
7) Yes, the band doesn't get any royalty money from these videos (which I suspect is the real sticking point). But I believe the videos help them make MORE money in ticket and album sales, and it's not as if the people who are putting this low-quality videos up are making money that would otherwise go into the Eagles pockets. They're not making money, period.
That's my opinion, anyway. What's your thoughts? Anyone agree or disagree?