The term sell out, to me, is doing something you don't want to do or something that goes against everything you stand for, in return for cash, exposure or such.
I'm not ultra loose with the term like idiots who don't know what they're talking about. I don't think Green Day are necessarily sell outs, but people say they sold out with Dookie.
Getting a record deal is just a bonus to do what you love for a living. Everyone needs a job, what better than to combine it with your life's love? Just don't let that get in the way of your morals and integrity. Tool were a band when they all had great jobs. They didn't play music to get signed, they played coz they wanted to. They, like other bands who get deals, wanted to dedicate all their time to music and such. Though they are one of the very few bands who actually have total control of everything they do.
I agree though, tis a shame. Sharon is out of order for cashing in on shit and Kelly isn't much better. Jack seems like the only one not doing anything OUT there majorly. To my knowledge.
-AC