@KALYN
I didn't mean to imply that ignorance is bliss, just simply that most fans don't have a realistic perspective in regards to an artists state of business and level of success.
While people like you, myself and other fans of music may not necessarily care how many units an artist has sold, investors and business in general does. And since that's what facilitates opportunity, it can't be ignored.
My take on artist support is nothing is owed. Artists who have earned support, receive it. Just because somebody is able to slap an album together doesn't mean I'm obligated to buy it, like it, or even give it a listen. Supporting an artist is a choice, not a requirement and if an artist hasn't motivated people to support him, he hasn't done his job well enough. Artists (and fans for that matter) love and are quick to make excuses about why they're not doing well or what they think they should be doing. At the end of the day though all the excuses don't amount to shit and the only thing that matters is where that artist stands, realistically. I'm not a fan of blaming other people for poor results. I agree that there's an overall lack of support but it's crazy to point the finger at the fans and blame them. If you haven't convinced people to go to the store and spend money on you, it's certainly not their fault! Along with a lack of support by fans, I see an undeniable lack of responsibility from artists and labels. All these guys think their music is the hottest shit out and if you disagree, you're a "hater" and whatever other stupid shit they usually say. That's beyond laughable.
The soundscan argument is pointless because the truth is it doesn't matter how many units you sell out of the trunk if you can't prove it. Remember, we're talking about real business here so a persons word doesn't cut it. The truth, again, is YES out the trunk and mom&pop sales are NOT reflected by soundscan numbers but those numbers are meaningless in the real world music business so do they have any true relevance? No, unless you've invested into the project and are expecting something in return.
My perspective comes from years and years of being in the business as a successful musician, producer, songwriter, engineer and businessman. At this point most of my time is spent in the role of producer and executive. I've never been an artist but I work with them from complete unknowns all the way up to household names (in some cases, brand names). I'm somebody who actually eats off it to the point where music has paid for my house, my cars, my investiments, my lifestyle and feeds my family. I definately have a different perspective on things but I started out as and will die a fan with a true love for music.
Respectable numbers in my opinion is a number that creates significant interest and opportunity. While selling a thousand units might be commendable (especially if you had to bust your ass to do it), it's nothing to brag about to an investor for example. "Respectable numbers" is a matter of opinion so there is no right or wrong answer... Just people who agree or disagree with each others views. It is all about perspective.
About those people who attach their name to other peoples work and all that, I agree. That shit is weak but in the end those people almost never achieve any real success. I'm a firm believer that people get what they deserve and bad karma is never a reward.