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From the Grateful Dead Hour mailing list, posted here with the permission of the poster, Darren Mason:

Why do I think $10/CD is a good price? I have a number of reasons, in no particular order:

1. For almost all of the 30 years while the band was touring, they were the poster-child of generosity when it came to serving their fans, both in the sense of recording, trading, AUD taping, ticket sales, vending in lots, etc. Personally, I think that I shouldn’t begrudge them now for *starting* to act like “normal bands” in these respects.

2. While the Dead were touring, their main source of income was concert revenue. And that was their choice. And I think we are all grateful for that choice as it was their magic on stage that we wanted to share. That said, they are now much older and I think it is perfectly reasonable for them to reap the rewards of their decades of work and creativity. I have seen box sets from much less talented bands go for much more.

3. As was noted earlier, the amount of work involved in putting the box set together is most likely more for this set then a typical DP release. I cannot be sure of this – just a feeling I have. No matter, whether it is $8, $9, $10, $11, or $12 a CD, I am willing to pay for a quality product.

4. My understanding is that not too many years ago, continued release of music from “the vaults” was in jeopardy. If additional “corporate layers” results in this problem being solved so that the music continues to be released, then I say let those corporate layers not only exist, but be financially rewarded for their efforts. They too deserve to make a living imho.
5. $7-$8 vs. $10? Hell, I can’t even buy a decent beer at a bar for $2-$3. I would rather spend my extra $2 or $3 on music that I love.

Respectfully,

DM