Originally Posted By: Notes Norton
Many musicians would hate it if people started pirating their CDs and other merchandise or stealing the songs they wrote. Then why is it OK to steal another musician's livelihood by taking his job away and playing for free?

because, in America (and most other western countries), pirating CDs and stealing songs is against the law. however, playing for free is NOT against the law. in fact, selling cheaper or even giving stuff away, is a classic American business tradition!

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If you live by the "Do unto others", or the "Thou shalt not steal" ethics, it can't be OK.

Baloney! As noted above playing for free is perfectly legal. If playing for free violates your personal code of ethics then don't do it. But your code of ethics only applies to you...not the rest of us! smile