(no subject)
Nov. 21st, 2003 11:17 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wispfox[Boston-centric post]
The fact that the MBTA is intending to prevent subway musicians from using equipment which can drown out the Public Address system doesn't bother me nearly as much as the fact that they are also planning to charge $25 for an annual performance permit.
Now, I don't personally know anyone playing the subways, but I can't imagine that having to pay $25/year to perform is going to do anything but make there be fewer musicians who will be playing in the subways - based soley on available funds, and not on actual ability. Personally, I enjoy the fact that there are musicians playing in there. It's a pleasant distraction from waiting around for the next train, even if I have brought a book with me.
I admit that I am not very aware of what an effect this will actually have, and realize that it's entirely possible that $25 is not really that bad. But it's still concerning, I think.
The fact that the MBTA is intending to prevent subway musicians from using equipment which can drown out the Public Address system doesn't bother me nearly as much as the fact that they are also planning to charge $25 for an annual performance permit.
Now, I don't personally know anyone playing the subways, but I can't imagine that having to pay $25/year to perform is going to do anything but make there be fewer musicians who will be playing in the subways - based soley on available funds, and not on actual ability. Personally, I enjoy the fact that there are musicians playing in there. It's a pleasant distraction from waiting around for the next train, even if I have brought a book with me.
I admit that I am not very aware of what an effect this will actually have, and realize that it's entirely possible that $25 is not really that bad. But it's still concerning, I think.
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no subject
Date: 2003-11-21 08:40 am (UTC)there is tremendous competition to do so, and performing turf is rare, scheduled (they have a time slot), and so on. you don't get people just showing up playing in your spot when you wanted to after a long trip/etc. it seems to result in a pretty smoother and understood system.
i think it's probably a good thing.
as for the acoustic vs amped thing... there was a controversy a while ago, i think, about acoustic not being quite loud enough, then them being allowed battery amps, and over time, they've gotten louder and louder and ... well, here we are.
no subject
Date: 2003-11-21 08:51 am (UTC)Oh! So it's the subway players who are currently having a possibly unfairly easier time? Gotcha...
Actually, the auditioning part makes perfect sense to me, completely aside from any fee.