An interesting argument about music sharing, or stealing, depending on
your viewpoint. For the record, I buy the music I enjoy. But I listen
to music I haven’t bought. On the radio. Live. On a loaned CD. Or on
MP3s. Many artists find success by giving away their music, or some of
it, on the internet, and making money from concerts and selling CDs
themselves. The system for promotion of “pop” music is missing huge
opportunities.
As a copyright owner, I don’t like to think that people gain benefit
from my hard work without me receiving compensation. On the other hand,
those who never see my work don’t know it’s there. And it seems that,
at least for some, letting your works be found out there leads to
profits. It’s worked for Janis Ian, and for Baen Books. It’s surely not
a black and white issue.
“Where Nobody Knows You’re a Music Thief.
What’s remarkable about the controversy over music sharing is not how
many people are involved, but rather their fervent rationalizing. By
Daniel Akst. [New York Times: Technology]”