are we kiling music by downloading from free source?

Answer 1

Yes and no. It hurts the musicians because they aren't getting their cut, but people love music, so it's always going to be there. What I hope to see is a world where the musicians are able to sell their music for a reasonable price to people in a more direct fashion and people stop stealing music.

Answer 2

It hurts the people who print up on a limited budget their cds if they aren't bought up. If you're talking about the ones that made cd singles and tour and stuff it's money they would be using for their big investments in trying to stay on top and to make bigger profits, and keep their contracts with publishers so that they aren't instantly dropped back into the shadows.

Either way the people who do download it are so not willing to pay for the music that they're willing to steal it from the internet, when it even is probably not all that important for people to have their music if they're not willing to pay for it then the record companies and bands should just not make it available for download because of the pirating.

Just think of if you were a musician. And you made a record. And you had your big chance after years of practice and tears and sweat. And your record producer produced a million CDs because it was expected to sell. I'd like you to be the one to tell that musician that they've stopped selling off the shelves because someone broke the CD security and leaked out a free download to anyone and their next door neighbor in the name of free music.

Music is a job just as anything else, it should pay. And the competition is fierce. Why else do you think they have those 1 cent CDs several if you purchase one at regular price subscriptions? They're not selling as well as they did before downloads.

Answer 3

I say no. I still buy cd's. In fact, downloading has introduced me to quite a few bands. Also, about 98% of the songs I download I own in another format (LP, cassette, cd, etc.) So basically, I'm guilty of being lazy.

Another point I'd like to make is that older music is *still* selling. If the RIAA would listen to the rest of the populace and not just teens (sorry guys) they might manage to sell more.

But like so many have said, why do I want to pay $18 plus tax to get a cd that I may only like 1 song from? I don't. With gas at $3 a gallon for the cheap stuff (!) I really don't want to waste any more money than I have to.

Answer 4

IMHO (In my humble opinon), i don't think so. In fact, if you look at the time between say...when napster first launched, to when the asses at the RIAA shut the "Illegal" version down...we made some new grounds. This opened up the door to many of the pay for services, like, iTunes, New Napster, and now Yahoo! Music engine.

I Myself personally download music - but, i'm up in Canada, where it's not quite illegal yet. But, either way, why does the RIAA over charge the fans - and then underpay the musicians who we're apparently trying to "help"...it's B.S

In fact, i'm a radio DJ, and when i was with one of the onlines, we ran thes PSA's. Did you know that for every CD that sells AFTER 500,000 copies, the artist gets less than 25 cents per unit? It's true. In fact - it may be more now. Why you ask? Take a look at what it costs to get a record going. The Studio, promotion, concert venues, and so much more. It would shock ya to believe that they actually make money selling stuff at concerts - and that's the ONLY way they make more than what they do.

The RIAA thinks it's always best to stick their nose in and sue fans, which doesn't solve a bloody thing. In fact, the more they sue, the more music sales will plumet.

If you're gonna download - go for it. I do it! And, yes, a part of me stays "legal" too....because i like my high quality music, and sometimes, ya can't get that. So, yes, i subscribe to Yahoo's music engine here, and i do buy in iTunes...and that's ONLY independent stuff.

If you're lookin for independent music - that's the way to go. They don't overcharge fans, and they never will. Take a look at 2 sites i provided to get ya started =) I do reccomend going through Audio Lunchbox though. Sure, it costs, but, at least proceeds go to the bands who REALLY need it.

Answer 5

NO. What we are doing is sending a message that we are tired of people getting rich off the common person. You will notice that the only people making a wave about this is the music industry. The only reason there is a law is because people don't go out to vote against it, and the politicians are being slipped money from the companies.

Answer 6

A lot of bands actually encourage downloading their music. When I saw Thursday, Geoff told everyone to go and download thier cds because "music should be like water and air. It should available to music and not just to those with money."

Answer 7

no. you are actually helping to propagate it. For instance, theres a lot of artists that i never bothered listening too cuz i tot it wasnt worth risking buying thei cd's when i havent heard of their music yet until i can get them for free. Still, i buy some of their good albums just for the collection. What we are killing by piracy is the ridiculously tons of money mainstream artists make when the production company (combined with government taxes) charge so high. A music cd is in singapore can cost about as high as 30 US DOLLARS!!!! wtf!!!! the cost of burning plus printing of labels plus registration plus everything i presume is about 5 USD distibutively for each cd album. No wonder we have hollywood celebrities overrated by mtv. Maybe if they didnt charge too much people wont pirate too much too. Too much for intellectual property. Music is an art. Art is not about money. its all bout somethings that we just feel like doing.

Answer 8

Some of it. The big corporations won't mind but what about the small, independent ones? Distributing music for free can help new artist to become noticed but later on it can hinder their chances to succeed.

Answer 9

Im An artist! it dosent hurt one bit for somebody to download! cause if they like it they will tell one of their friends about it and thats 1 more cd to possibly be sold! also it's just data it's not like your taking a physical cd of anything! and i do agree the record indistry and the movie indistry for that case is charging way to mych for cd's and dvd's!!!!

Cost for cd: about 10 cents
Cost for printing and packaging: about 75 cents
Recording cost per cd: 5 cents
Shipping and handling:$2
Final Price: $18

Answer 10

No. In fact I'd say that we're highlighting the benefits of a new music delivery system if they'd only embrace the technology more.....