why can't they put that effort towards something wholesome and productive instead of destructive?
They are great until they decide to cut you off.
In our case, with a 10 artist Label Account, they sent us an email telling us to find another distributor.
This happens from time to time for some arbitrary reason only known to DistroKid.
They will tell you that a store has rejected a release due to "editorial discretion", however the reality is that DistroKid act as gatekeepers and when they send these notices they haven't even submitted the release to a store.
In our case, we have a backup distributor and got the release onto stores, however those solely relying on DistroKid may find themselves in a pickle.
However further releases have also been blocked and now we have been told by DistroKid to find another distributor.
There's no real reason given, but to have a 10 artist label account cut loose is pretty bad.
In our case we're just going to methodically move our releases to another distributor.
We have already now released the albums that DistroKid rejected via our backup distributor without issues.
I had read a lot of reviews about DistroKid and decided anyone playing by the rules wouldn't be affected by such arbitrary decision making, I was obviously wrong. Anyone at any time with a DistroKid account and distribution may find themselves in the unenviable position of being cut loose.
There are various threads on Reddit and other places regarding this behaviour on the part of DistroKid, I wish now that I had given them more credit."
We had a 10 artist label account, releasing high quality original music. Now, everything has had to be moved. A simple Google search for Distrokid problems, Distrokid Scam or Distrokid Editorial Discretion will reveal so many of the same stories. I hope your account is safe and you continue having good distribution through Distrokid, but let me tell you, they are great until the day they screw you."