shameless self-absorpsion

I'm very interested in music (finding new, keeping up with favorites, etc.). In this day and age, the best way to do that is myspace.com. Most bands don't even have websites anymore because it costs money to build and maintain them so why not use (or abuse) a free networking site? Well that's fine, but what irritates me is that bands will make an elaborate layout with 20 ways to buy their music and merch scattered amongst youtube videos of them, 'want us to play your town?' banners and pictures of their prepubesent fan base showing their "love" for them. When I see this it makes me not want to look at their myspace page, much less listen to thier music. I understand it is hard to "make it" in this industry anymore but the ones who are taking these desperate and shameless measures are showing that their intentions are merely to make money off of their music which isn't even art anymore. It's more of a business and that just doesn't sit well with me. I understand you're trying to reach your target audience consisting of 12-16 year olds whos parents are coughing up the dough for concert tickets, lunch boxes and wrist bands. Well here's an idea... write good music and play good shows with other good bands. You will get recognized. If you're really an artist you will be acknowledged eventually for your creativity and originality instead of "whoring" yourself out. To me that's what it is, sorry, but how much of a career does a hot prostitute really have? You start out blowing some old dudes then you take the one-on-ones and are making a decent living, then move on to anal, then threesomes and are living the life. 5 years later youre a heroin addict begging to suck someone off for $10. That's the career these bands are setting themselves up for. Maybe five years of "getting laid and paid" followed by a major narcotic addiction and nobody wanting you.