Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the disparity between the massive success of the song "Two Butterflies" and the minimal financial return received by its creator, Niu Zhaoyang, highlighting issues in the music industry's profit distribution model during the ringtone era [1][19][20]. Group 1: Financial Aspects - Niu Zhaoyang reportedly earned only 5,000 yuan from the song despite its ringtone downloads reaching 260 million, generating over 500 million yuan in total revenue [5][19]. - The song's copyright was only authorized once, resulting in minimal earnings for the creator, as the majority of revenue was absorbed by telecom operators and record companies [9][20]. - The article emphasizes that during the ringtone era, the profit distribution heavily favored telecom companies and the piracy market, leaving creators with negligible returns [11][20]. Group 2: Industry Context - The music industry at the time was characterized by rampant piracy and a lack of transparency in revenue sharing, which often resulted in creators receiving less than half of what they were entitled to [16][20]. - The article notes that the industry environment did not prioritize creators, leading to a systemic issue where successful works did not translate into fair compensation [18][20]. - Niu Zhaoyang's experience reflects a broader trend in the industry, where many creators struggle to receive appropriate recognition and financial rewards for their work [21]. Group 3: Emotional and Artistic Value - For Niu Zhaoyang, the emotional significance of "Two Butterflies" and its widespread recognition outweighs the financial aspect, as it serves as a personal and artistic achievement [13][20]. - The article highlights the importance of creating a healthier environment for creators, where their rights are naturally protected, to encourage ongoing artistic contributions [18][21]. - The narrative underscores that the true value of art lies in its emotional impact and the memories it creates, rather than solely in monetary compensation [20][21].