There are a whole slew of things I could talk about on this topic, however, I think I'll just stick to my main personal experience when it comes to getting music. Music is distributed in many ways: CD's, radio, television, and internet. I think that the latter is how most people today get their music. The internet also has many ways of distribution. You can buy the album from itunes or a similar program, just listen to 1 or 2 tracks for free or, of course, the illegal downloading method. I have to admit (and I hope no one has me arrested for this) that downloading is probably the main way I get my music. I in no way support it. In fact, I constantly berate myself for falling prey to this technological terror. However, I'm a college student. I'm poor. I have no car. CD's are expensive. But music is my method of survival. The only pure source of happiness I believe I have in my life. I must have it. And I must have it now. I think that downloading was made for the greedy people like me. Those that hear a song, fall in love with it, and can't live without it starting right that very minute. I feel bad, but I guess I don't feel bad at the same time. I feel bad because I'm not paying for this beautiful piece of artwork that the artist has so gracefully bestowed upon the public. But I don't feel bad because it feeds my addiction for owning one more song, for discovering one more artist. I guess when I think about it, I still provide some generous funding to the artists I love. My collection of band t-shirts is one to be rivaled by many and I probably spend money on more concerts than I should. But I still feel a slight tinge of guilt when I click that pesky little download button. 1.10.2010
the buying and selling of music
There are a whole slew of things I could talk about on this topic, however, I think I'll just stick to my main personal experience when it comes to getting music. Music is distributed in many ways: CD's, radio, television, and internet. I think that the latter is how most people today get their music. The internet also has many ways of distribution. You can buy the album from itunes or a similar program, just listen to 1 or 2 tracks for free or, of course, the illegal downloading method. I have to admit (and I hope no one has me arrested for this) that downloading is probably the main way I get my music. I in no way support it. In fact, I constantly berate myself for falling prey to this technological terror. However, I'm a college student. I'm poor. I have no car. CD's are expensive. But music is my method of survival. The only pure source of happiness I believe I have in my life. I must have it. And I must have it now. I think that downloading was made for the greedy people like me. Those that hear a song, fall in love with it, and can't live without it starting right that very minute. I feel bad, but I guess I don't feel bad at the same time. I feel bad because I'm not paying for this beautiful piece of artwork that the artist has so gracefully bestowed upon the public. But I don't feel bad because it feeds my addiction for owning one more song, for discovering one more artist. I guess when I think about it, I still provide some generous funding to the artists I love. My collection of band t-shirts is one to be rivaled by many and I probably spend money on more concerts than I should. But I still feel a slight tinge of guilt when I click that pesky little download button. 
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I know your pain, I too feel guilty when I don't pay for my music, but there is just so much good music out there that I couldn't possibly pay for it all. I'd have to say, however, that out of all the addictions out there, music is the best one to have. One thing I think of while I mysteriously get a bunch of new music at no cost from an unspecified place, is that I cheat the record producers, not the artists themselves. This little thought keeps me feeling a little better about it all.
ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't feel too bad about "illegally" downloading music. Like Dylan said, you're mostly cheating the producers who make enough money anyway. Buying merch and going to live shows is the best way to support the artists, since that is how they make most of their money directly.
ReplyDeleteOk, you sound like you are definatley "supporting" the bands you listen to from the shows and band shirts. I agree with matthew...i feel like you are probably cheating the producers more than the artists themselves.
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