I liked your ideas about the galleries. Several galleries I have worked with have closed, and I fear more will come with this economy. I think another suggestion would be, that instead of just the gallery system, the artists and the galleries need to be true partners and to blend their strengths. Meaning, that artists can help with some of the services and a combination of online and brick and mortar could be used. The artist can set aside a number of works available to the gallery exclusively and have a separate link to that collection. A sample of the work can be actually shipped to the gallery instead of shipping such a large number of works, which would elevate the burden of the higher costs for both sides. The gallery can take a down payment or a full payment with an agreement for a 2 week trial for the clients, and the artist can either send direct to the client or to the gallery. The key has to be trust. BTW, part of the problem is holding down costs. If the galleries keep increasing commissions, they are putting nails in their own coffins. Every gallery shouldn't be taking the same commission as another. Just as one artist doesn't get the same price for their work as another, the gallery should be charging the artists accordingly. Artists have taken big hits in their prices and the galleries want to hold firm with theirs. We should all be working on cost savings issues and coming up with new ideas to reach our joint goals. If artists get to show their work, share online images and pay a fair commission, there would be no argument that the client lists could be shared. It's the distrust that has been built between many galleries and artists that needs to come down. With trust, innovation can prosper. I know I would rather work with galleries than all these shows any day. There just needs to be a new partnership forged.