Well now we are getting into revenue models as it applies to creators/publishers/record labels/etc. For some bands, the only money they make is from merchandise

Well now we are getting into revenue models as it applies to creators/publishers/record labels/etc. For some bands, the only money they make is from merchandise sales, because the record label contract dictates that the CD sales go to the label. That doesn't mean there isn't money in the albums. Likewise, book authors may not get movie rights, but someone in the industry does. I'm looking at the equation from an industry overview perspective. The music industry sells music AND bands. (You don't buy merchandise because you like a song. You buy because you like the band.) the book industry sells stories and characters. Actually, I'm selling myself a little short here, because I'm only considering the fictional book publishing industry. If we include nonfiction categories, the alternative revenue possibilities open up even more. For instance, book authors get speaking engagements with fees that would put some bands to shame.