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The article discusses how a desire to contribute to the green movement by supporting environmentally friendly compact disc (CD) packaging at record labels has been hampered by a weak economy. Major record labels say progress on offering more sustainable packaging has remained flat due to financial concerns. Problems related to making eco-friendly CD packages compatible with automated distribution systems and machinery designed for plastic jewel cases are discussed.

A white paper from "Billboard" magazine's 2012 FutureSound Conference is presented on the economic aspects of digital music sales and music marketing on the Internet. Advice for musicians to find new fans is presented, such as completing a band profile on the social media website Facebook, creating a band website, and offering free information to encourage interest. Conference attendants such as Tim Quirk from Google Music and Fred Wilson from Union Square Ventures are quoted. INSETS: Discovery Channel;Friending The Band.

Examines strategies for video catalog houses and use of the Internet as a retail outlet. Difficulties for direct-mailers, including lower price points in supermarkets and mass merchant stores and the rising costs of paper and postage; Comments from Nancy Hamlin of Critics' Choice Video in Chicago, Illinois, on the changing market place; The strategic position of offering hard-to-find titles; The price protection of niches; The need for innovative and affordable ways to promote titles.

The author discusses how the music industry is making efforts to be more environmentally conscious. The author recounts how the Red hot Chili Peppers told their record company, Warner Music Group, that they wanted to make sure that the paper used in their compact disc packaging was eco-friendly. According to the author other musicians and record companies have launched similar initiatives.