The point is that the record industry is better off working with the public than in secret behind locked doors. The blanket license is simply a single possibility that may be compromised on if there is ever an open discussion.
*I'm not personally unwilling to consider it. I think this is a practical problem as much as an ideological one. If this gives us a practical solution without too many negative side effects, I'm all for it. In fact, if anyone can point out an interesting exploration of the topic, I'm interested.
Collective Licensing Good, ISP tax bad: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2008/03/monetizing-file-sharin...
A Better Way:http://www.eff.org/wp/better-way-forward-voluntary-collectiv...
Their opinion is basically to create collecting societies. Listeners would pay a monthly fee and get the legal right to use all works by member artists, irrespective of format or distribution method. Artists could choose whether to join or not.
They are saying it would work because it has precedence, and most users would be willing to pay a fair price. The society will be encouraged to charge a fair price by the fact that not doing so will encourage piracy. Fines and legal action will help the societies from non-members.
I think that the general idea is good. I might be willing to pay a monthly fee if I got unrestricted access to music.