I have no opinion on the actual signing... when I gave a few spins to one of the band's albums, it was just some "other" thing out in space... it didn't seem offensive to my sensibilities, but didn't speak to me. So, yeah, whatever, good for them/him if that's what they/he wants. I actually still buy some stuff on Century Media (Jag Panzer, Napalm Death, Nevermore, and finally the latest Celtic Frost is on its way) so while my general attitude is distaste, it's not an automatic wretching reaction when somebody's on the label.
My problem is the Decibel article and that the "like many..." preface that people put in their statements to give a false sense of authority. I assume it's done to suppress argument because, well, "like many" = common practice and common sense, and what idiot goes against that? I see "like many..." and immediately I think "There's some bullshit coming that we're meant to gloss over..." as well as "whoever writing this is a twat." That can't possibly be the intention of the phrase.
More interesting is that in this case, it weakens the entire idea that Azentrius (one thing I like about this article is the use of real names, even if it's done in a HAH I KNOW A SECRET manner rather than a straightforward "this is who these people are" kind of way) is putting forward. The entire article up to that point is taking this particular ethic to task, and instead of having this guy just lay out his thoughts, "Like many..." completely cuts it off at the knees.
Start the paragraph with "Azentrius sees nothing wrong with..." and I think the entire article says something. Keep in the "Like many artists..." and suddenly I get the feeling Bennet's writing about something he figures everyone already knows, and the person being interviewed is just another guy rather than bravely stepping forward out of the shadows, and the entire article is pointless.
Not that the article starts off very well, what with Bennet saying that the reason limited print runs are bad is it makes him want stuff more, and therefore those responsible are testing his patience.
Black Metal Limited Edition Underground: "Jump!"
J. Bennett: "oooohhhh, you bastard! *hop hop hop hop* This high enough?"
You guys will let me know if I write like this, right?