Jack White has moved to defend his decision to sell limited editions of his Third Man Records’ catalogue via online auctions after the new practise sparked criticism amongst some fans.
Initially, White’s label had been selling special versions of White Stripes and Dead Weather releases on a first come, first served basis, through various outlets, but then found the items being sold for huge profit online.
As a result, this week Third Man Records began to sell their stock on auction site eBay, with prices rising to $300 in some cases, causing some fans to visit the label’s message board to accuse White of ‘fan exploitation’.
However, White has defended the actions, insisting the decision was made in order to cut out those who are re-selling on the internet – known as ‘flippers’. “We sell a Wanda Jackson split record for 10 bucks, the eBay flipper turns around and sells it for 300,” he wrote on Antiquiet. “If 300 is what it’s worth, then why doesn’t Third Man Records sell it for 300? If we sell them for more, the artist gets more, the flipper gets nothing. We thought we’d let you decide how much they cost this time.”
“You would go so far as to say fuck you to us?” he continued. “For what? We didn’t do anything to you but give you what you want. If you don’t want, DONT BUY IT. And if you do want it, don’t act like you DON’T want it. Get in line like anyone else. It’s you and others wanting them that dictates the price and the entire nature of the idea.”
The White Stripes’ first three studio albums were re-released on Third Man Records yesterday (Nov 30th).