This is a grey area, a touchy subject, something people don’t really like to talk about in public. But let’s try to.
You can debate something without having a solid viewpoint on it, it’s the best skill that a debater can have (a master debater if you will). Discussing the merits of illegal filesharing doesn’t imply guilt or admission of use, so let’s get to talking.
What do you think is fair and not fair in terms of what you download (is it justifiable to download an album by a band who are huge and can afford to miss a few bucks from you? or to download the biggest movie on the planet that won’t miss your few bucks as opposed to a new, upcoming band who could probably use it?)?
Do you think it’s alright to download an album to “listen to it before you buy it” so to speak? Personally I think that’s fine and a lot of people do that. With the music industry in the absolute shite state of affairs it’s in, if they’re going to screw over the customer and even artists with over the top prices, the least they could do is let us listen to it before we overpay for it.
Let’s say your favourite new band just released their awesome new album and they’re touring in your town. You have $30 to spend, the ticket is $20 and the album is $15. Since your friends and family are stingey and won’t give you that extra $5, would you have a problem downloading the album illegally, for free, and then buying the ticket and some merchandise at the gig? Do you think bands would have a problem with that, since I’d assume they probably get a bigger cut by selling merch at gigs than from their label. I can’t see them advocating the illegal procurement of their music since their labels would have a shit fit, but they might be alright with it.
Let me know what you think, and enjoy the glory that is:
The Jam – “That’s Entertainment”
