I think the vast majority of working musicians would be helped more than harmed by the free copying and distribution of their music. This is because the music business has come full circle. I will explain.

But first, let me say that the copyright holder of intellectual property such as music, video, or writing has the sole right to decide whether his property can be freely distributed. Just because modern technology makes it EASY to copy and distribute other people's stuff doesn't mean it's RIGHT to do so.

Once was a time when musicians were paid only when they played, b/c recording media did not exist. (Having students was a way to supplement the performance income. And still is.) But when recording media became mass-producible and affordable, that all changed. Selling units was the way to make money, if not a fortune. Going on a tour and gigging was a way to promote album sales. Sure, money was made from the live gate, but the big money was in selling units.

But the digital revolution changed all that. The business model has changed. Selling 100,00 units, let alone a million, is hard. And the nine cents a tune the artist makes on his CD isn't exactly the path to great riches. Nowadays, most artists make their biggest money on tours doing concerts. Instead of the gigs promoting the recordings, the recorded stuff promotes the tours! In other words, musicians have to PERFORM again to get paid. So, the more people who hear your stuff -- by getting it free from friends or P2P file-sharing sites -- the more people there will be who may want to see you perform live.

But I understand that that that's not going to help the studio musician who makes recorded music for a living and doesn't perform live much.

Last edited by Schnazola; 03/04/10 03:36 PM.