The Cost of Free Downloads
Monday, June 23, 2008 at 12:01AM Downloading (or file sharing or whatever) is a hot topic among music fans these days. I know a lot of people that use Torrents to grab tracks and even whole albums, but I am just really against illegal downloads.
I won't lie: the thought of downloading leaked tracks for free and before an official release is downright intoxicating. I didn't illegally download Motley Crue's Saints of Los Angeles even though it's been on the Internet for about a month. I think there is something truly special about waiting until the day of a big release, going to the store, buying the physical album and then letting the music blast all the way home. I know many of you can attest to my honesty here: a lot of you have sent me download links or asked my opinion of the album and my response was always "wait until the day of the release." I'll review Motley Crue's new one right here tomorrow, after listening to my advance copy (and yeah, I pre-ordered a copy too, so Motley got my money).
I know kids like to download because 1) it's free and 2) it's quick. The problem is, Torrents and the like are basically stealing. No, you're not throwing a brick through a big glass window at the bank and robbing the safe, but you're still hurting the artist and everyone else who worked on producing an album.
There is no way in HELL that I would work without getting paid, so how can I rob someone else of their salary? Yes, bands like Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Guns n' Roses, Metallica, The Rolling Stones...are filthy rich, but that doesn't make file sharing acceptable. Producers, sound engineers, publicists, managers, writers, gear techs - not to mention distributors and and your local music store - all get a piece of the pie when a band records an album. When sales fall off - sometimes due to downloads or a million other reasons - everyone involved suffers. Problem is, that lost revenue comes right back to you and me. Promoters set ticket prices for tours, but with the sky high cost of just about everything, bands need a surefire way to guarantee money. It's a vicious cycle because kids think they'll download an album, then spend their money on the concert. The only problem is, if not enough people buy an album, it's kind of hard to generate hype and that can hurt shows, too.
The music industry is fatally flawed, there's no doubt about that. I'm also not judging people for downloading songs without payment, but I felt it was important for you to know my stance on the issue. I've always been "choosy" when it comes to purchasing albums. When I was in high school, I bought nearly all my own CDs, so I couldn't go to the mall and pick up five or ten discs at a time. My rule was one CD a week, so I made sure I really wanted the album before I plunked down my 15 bucks. Now, I have more money but I'm still the same way: I think about my music purchases and I buy used if I can meaning I can get more in one trip. I can't say what position I'd take on downloading if I was 16 again. Like I said, the thought of immediate, free music is very intoxicating.
What is your opinion on the matter?
Reader Comments (49)
Dave Mustaine recently said, yes, we give free tracks from time to time. But, if I didn't give it, you can't take it. So, NIN, Radiohead and Duff ( who are all rich ) gave some music away, that makes it OK for you to steal from people who are struggling to make a living out of music ? Am I allowed to steal from you ? Is there a magical point at which a musician is rich enough that you're allowed to steal from them ?
This is a bunch of BS. You're a thief and you're trying to justify it. That is all that is going on here.
I've been a music collector since 1980 (age 8) and I would rather wait and buy a physical product (CD, Cassette, Vinyl) rather than download MP3s. I like to have the artwork, the lyrics, pictures, credits, etc in my hand rather than on a screen. I like to have that vinyl or CD spinning or that tape rolling rather than point and click to play my music.
For me, there is the thrill of the hunt. There's nothing better than finding a hidden treasure or an out of print gem in the back racks of a dusty record store or pawn shop. Sadly, those days could possibly end as digital files become more common and actual product.
I have downloaded bootleg live KISS concerts in the past but I stopped doing that years ago to concentrate on buying actual music. How many times can you hear 'Love Gun' anyway? As far as buying an album digitally or maybe a song? Nope, never. It will be a major disappointment when that becomes the only option. One of my favorite artists, Jeff Scott Soto, is offering his new album exclusively as a digital download as he awaits offers from labels to release a physical album. What happens if he doesn't get a decent offer? Do I download it and burn it to a CDR or wait and miss out on new music? Do I download it and pay the money and then pay more to replace that download with the proper disc when its released?
I'd rather buy than steal but I'd also rather have a physical product than an invisible one.
Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com/
That's part of the joy of collecting music. I found the same with video games, when I was young, I'd pirate games, but now I find if I buy them, I have to choose which ones I want, and I play them to the end, instead of plaing the first few levels of every game that comes out.
Of course, I still buy so many CDs that I end up barely hearing some. I have about 20 CDs on my desk from my last US trip, and I am only really listening to 3-4 regularly. Nostradamus is top of the list rigt now.