Are you a die-hard music fan?  Are you the most dedicated to a core of independent artists, many of whom you feel you have developed a “personal” connection with thanks to social networks like Twitter, Facebook or MySpace?  As the models for artist survival in the music industry widen and mutate, there’s a growing focus on fans just like you — the hard core, or the uber-fan, if you will.  For fans like you, the world of music is yours to inherit and enjoy because, as you’ve already discovered, artists are starting to offer more and different ways to get and keep your attention — and your financial support.

But what if you’re just a casual music fan — one whose lifestyle is such that you don’t devote huge amounts of time and/or money with building relationships to the artists you enjoy?

This morning, Ryan Catbird alerted us to a fascinating and insightful piece over at Fingertips Commentary which examines the loss of  the casual music fan in what is referred to as “future of music” schemes being developed by, or on behalf of, independent artists.

Taking it’s cue from the conversations held during the recent Future Of Music Summit in Washington, D.C., and a keen glimpse at Kevin Kelly’s thought-provoking (and widely read piece) “1000 True Fans“, Fingertips searches for what has happened to casual music fans in the current series of fan engagement methods on the part of the artist. Fingertips points out that to artists searching for sustainability in a market place that looks so bleak, artists have taken their focus to the people they know are most willing to pony up for access to them or their music — the question is, however, at what cost to the rest of their fan base?

It may take you a while to read through, but I highly suggest you head over to Fingertips (by clicking here) and read this fascinating commentary.  We want to know what you think, too, so please share your comments on this article with us here.