Music Business Worldwide | April 25, 2023
[excerpt]
[..] Perhaps the most discussed driver behind vinyl’s rise in music biz circles, though, is the so-called “superfan”.
In a 2020 interview with The Times of London, Rob Crutchley of the UK music trade industry group BPI [167 articles]">BPI said “superfans” were powering a “buy-to-own rather than buy-to-listen” trend.
“A proportion of people are buying vinyl because they’re a superfan, so even if they don’t actually have a turntable they’re still keen to support the artist and have the artifact itself,” he said.
“Sometimes it can be because they’re catalog titles that are being re-pressed in a new edition — maybe a run on a different colored vinyl — other times it might be a new title that has a limited press on a certain format.
”In its 2023 report, Luminate defines superfans as “music listeners who spend above average (median) time AND money on music, actively discover new music, participate in music-related activities on social media, and plan on attending a live music event in the next 12 months.
”Three core behaviors set these ‘superfans’ apart from others, Luminate found:
First, they engage in social signaling (i.e., they want people around them to know about their passion for a particular genre or artist);
Secondly, they view music as an expression of their identity;
Thirdly, they engage in a community centered around music.
All of which suggests that the music industry could make serious money off of superfans’ love for vinyl in the coming years – regardless of whether or not they end up playing the format on a turntable.
[read the full article here]
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A Comprehensive Overview on Types of Letters of Credit
Introduction: A Letter of Credit (LC) is an essential financial instrument used to secure payment and ensure that transactions are carried out smoothly. Understanding the different types of Letters of Credit and their specific applications can help businesses choose the most suitable type for their transactions. This in-depth article explores the various types of Letters of Credit, their characteristics, uses, and benefits.
What is a Letter of Credit?
A letter of credit is a document that a bank or other financial organisation issues that assures a seller (beneficiary) that they will be paid when certain requirements are met. It functions as a guarantee that payment will be made, subject to the seller adhering to the conditions outlined in the LC, from the buyer's bank to the seller's bank.
Types of Letters of Credit
1. Revocable Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
The issuing bank reserves the right to amend or cancel this without prior notice to the beneficiary.
Less secure compared to irrevocable LCs.
Uses:
Suitable for transactions where the buyer and seller have an established and trusted relationship.
Often used in domestic transactions rather than international trade.
Benefits:
This allows the issuing bank to make changes to the terms as necessary.
Drawbacks:
Offers less security for the beneficiary as the terms can be changed unilaterally by the issuing bank.
2. Irrevocable Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
Cannot be amended or canceled without the consent of all parties involved (issuer, beneficiary, and any confirming bank).
Provides higher security compared to revocable LCs.
Uses:
Commonly used in international trade where the parties do not know each other well.
Provides a guarantee that the terms agreed upon are fixed and binding.
Benefits:
Ensures that the terms and conditions are set and cannot be changed without mutual agreement.
Drawbacks:
Less flexibility compared to revocable LCs.
3. Confirmed Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
Involves a confirming bank that adds its own guarantee to the LC issued by the original bank.
Enhances the security for the beneficiary.
Uses:
Suitable for transactions where the beneficiary is concerned about the creditworthiness of the issuing bank.
Often used in high-risk or unfamiliar trading environments.
Benefits:
Gives the beneficiary more certainty that the payment will be made.
Drawbacks:
May involve additional fees for the confirming bank’s services.
4. Standby Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
Acts as a backup payment method, ensuring payment if the buyer fails to fulfill their contractual obligations.
Serves as a guarantee rather than a primary payment method.
Uses:
Commonly used as a security measure in contracts or agreements.
Suitable for situations where a performance or payment guarantee is required.
Benefits:
Provides reassurance to the seller that payment will be made if the buyer defaults.
Drawbacks:
Typically used in conjunction with other forms of payment rather than as the primary payment method.
5. Revolving Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
Covers multiple transactions over a specified period.
Can be used for ongoing trade relationships and multiple shipments or invoices.
Uses:
Ideal for businesses with regular or repeated transactions.
Provides convenience for ongoing trade agreements.
Benefits:
Reduces the need to issue new LCs for each transaction.
Streamlines the payment process for continuous trade relationships.
Drawbacks:
May involve a more complex arrangement and higher administrative costs.
6. Sight Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
Payment is required upon presentation and verification of the necessary documents.
Offers immediate payment upon document presentation.
Uses:
Suitable for transactions where quick payment is essential.
Commonly used when the seller needs immediate cash flow.
Benefits:
Ensures prompt payment upon compliance with the terms.
Drawbacks:
May not provide as much time for the buyer to make payment arrangements.
7. Usance Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
Allows for payment to be made at a future date, typically after a specified period.
Provides extended credit terms to the buyer.
Uses:
Suitable for transactions where the buyer needs time to arrange payment.
Common in transactions where payment flexibility is required.
Benefits:
Provides the buyer with additional time to fulfill payment obligations.
Drawbacks:
Payment is delayed compared to sight LCs.
8. Red Clause Letter of Credit
Characteristics:
The beneficiary has the option to receive an advance payment prior to the shipment of the goods.
Facilitates financing for production or procurement of goods.
Uses:
Ideal for sellers who need upfront funds to produce or procure goods.
Common in industries where production financing is necessary.
Benefits:
Provides the seller with working capital before shipment.
Drawbacks:
Requires careful management of advance payments.
How to Choose the Right Type of Letter of Credit
Choosing the appropriate type of LC depends on several factors, including:
Nature of the Transaction: Consider the type of trade, whether it is one-time or ongoing, and the relationship between the buyer and seller.
Risk Level: Assess the level of risk involved in the transaction and choose a type of LC that provides adequate security.
Payment Terms: Determine whether immediate payment or extended credit terms are required.
Documentation Requirements: Ensure that the chosen LC type aligns with the documentation needs of the transaction.
Conclusion
Letters of Credit are vital instruments in international trade, offering various types to suit different needs and risk levels. Understanding the characteristics, uses, and benefits of each type of LC enables businesses to choose the most suitable option for their transactions. By leveraging Letters of Credit effectively, companies can secure payments, build trust with trading partners, and facilitate smooth and secure global trade operations.
http://oxfordinternationalbank.com
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a failed update from billion-dollar cybersecurity firm crowdstrike has crashed windows machines worldwide today (july 19th 2024), leaving everything from airport terminals to checkout machines to delivery apps to banks stuck with a blue screen of death. here's a screenshot from downdetector (au) to illustrate:
the issue appears to be with crowdstrike falcon, a form of antivirus software widely used in the corporate world -- with emphasis on the world. there have been reports from the us, uk, australia, germany, india, france, japan and more. places affected include (but are not limited to) supermarkets, banks, basically every airline, public transport networks, major broadcasters, emergency services, corporate offices, healthcare providers and stock exchanges.
(woolies pic via archiestaines9 on twitter; s3pirion; akothari. yes that is masahiro sakurai of smash bros fame)
emergency service lines are currently experiencing problems within the american states of alaska, arizona, indiana, minnesota, new hampshire and ohio. similar problems likely plague other areas of the world, they just haven't been reported on yet. australian emergency services are operating, and critical infrastructure remains stable. be sure to check in with the local news stations still online for more updates.
welcome to y2k............................. 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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