On Saturday 24 January 2009 17:02:40 Thomas Cameron wrote:
I've had long debates with some friends about downloading MP3s. For me, I wind up downloading MP3s for music I find interesting but not worth buying the CD for. So in my case, I can honestly say that the whole RIAA argument about musicians having lost revenue are complete bullshit. If I find an artist I *really* like, I will go and buy the CD. It's worth 15 cents a track to check out an artist I'm not familiar with. No way would I plunk down $12-$15 for the same CD.
Artists lose revenue through illegal file-sharing. Artists gain revenue if you buy from reputable sites. Magnatune guarantee that the artist will get 50% of whatever you pay (I don't know how they split it when you buy monthly subscriptions). I bought a CD in wav form for burning because it fitted a particular niche. If I'd paid the recommended $5 (I paid slightly more) the artist would have got a great deal more than he would get from a £12-£15 shop- bought one. Incidentally, they will actually burn a disc and send it to you for only a small extra charge.
I'm sure there are other services equally good and maybe offering a slightly different set of services.
Anne