There is an article over at CNET called “Music industry bows to point-and-shoot cameras”. And the gist of it is this: The smart people in the industry are finally figuring out that this is something they can’t control anymore. And the value in that control was pretty minimal anyway and in some cases it created a negative, anti-fan experience. So you may as well let people do what they’re gonna do and try to leverage it.

The fact is, digital cameras of all types have become a part of virtually every area of our lives. The cameras and the ability to easily and immediately share the pictures is how we tell stories now. Think Facebook. And the evolution isn’t over. Technology will make it easier and easier to share better and better content (think CD as opposed to mix tape). As the content gets better and more ubiquitous, let’s hope that the industry doesn’t go down the path of “quality of content” again like it did with CDs versus tapes. It’s time to grow a pair and act like you believe that no video or photo, no matter how good, is going to replace swaying to your favorite songs with 15,000 like-minded people watching the band you love.

Smart artists and managers are incorporating the trend into their shows and their post-show experience online. They actually want you to share those photos because they realize that camera phone and point & shoot photos are catalysts for how we now talk about the music we love and the nights we spend listening to it. It’s the difference between an amazing meal review and seeing the menu. It helps dimensionalize the music and the artist to fans and potential fans through a fan’s eyes.

Ultimately, it comes down to this. You can try to maintain the illusion of control or you can roll with it. Pioneer the trend. Help your fans find cool new ways to enjoy and share what you do. Because, if you’re really successful, ultimately, the fans claim your music as their own soundtrack. They think those songs are theirs as much as they are yours. And you can’t buy that.