As traditionally written, requirements are designed to produce conflict. It is an item for IT and “the business” (to use the common IT term) to negotiate when money and timelines take center stage. That they were hastily written in the first place only makes the conflict more likely. It also sets the designer up to be the fall guy for a poorly conceived system. Recognizing their inherently conflict-driving nature, the designer can work to diffuse the situation and get a seat at the table when the next project starts.

"I am suggesting there is a home for creatives in between poverty and stardom. Somewhere lower than stratospheric bestsellerdom, but higher than the obscurity of the long tail. I don't know the actual true number, but I think a dedicated artist could cultivate 1,000 True Fans, and by their direct support using new technology, make an honest living. I'd love to hear from anyone who might have settled on such a path."

Digital sales have grown by 940% since 2004, but the total music market fell by about 30% in that period.