Why do people download albums for free instead of buying them, and vice-versa?

Question

Why do people download albums for free instead of buying them, and vice-versa?

Answer 1

I think you guys already know the answer to this. I'll buy a CD if I have the money and if I think it's worth it. Otherwise, forget it. Supply and demand. You put out one good song and the rest is crap, why should I pay 20$ for one song? If big artists would put more bloody effort into their music instead of pumping out album after album of crap, 'pirating' wouldn't be such a problem.



As for iTunes and the like; whoever invented that had a good idea. I won't pay 20$ for an album if I only like one song, but I WILL pay 1$ to download it.



Anyway, you guys shouldn't worry too much about that. Montrealers are loyal to local bands even when they go big. We'll still buy your albums. Mais merci quand meme pour votre question; maintenant je sais c'est quoi ton position sur l'issue. Malheureusement pour vous, votre position ne va pas te gagner les fans. You'll probably lose some. Anyway.



Bonne chance pis toute ca.

Answer 2

Well, some people feel that the artists make enough money anyways, and it won't hurt if one person downloads the album for free.



Others believe the artists deserve compensation and that downloading a CD for free is like walking into a store and shoplifting.

Answer 3

There are plenty of times I will buy CD's, but I see no problem with downloading. After all, this is material that has been, and continues to be, broadcast over a free public medium such as radio or television. I could just as easily have taped it off the radio, just as I taped my old LP's to cassette in the past. When recordable cassettes first appeared, there was a similar reaction from the recording industry...many people predicted that it was "the end of the recording industry as we know it" yadda yadda yadda. Well, it didn't happen then, and it's not a problem now with downloading and P2P file sharing. File sharing is not a threat to artists, though it may be a threat to the production companies themselves. CD sales are NOT the major part of any artist's income. The only ones losing any significant sales from downloading are the recording and production mega-corporations, and in my opinion they are parasites who have been bleeding money from the artists and fans for long enough.



I will happily lay out my cash for CD's, or purchase online when:



1) I actually want all or even most of the tracks on the CD.

2) the CD is not blatantly over-priced..I feel $20 for a CD is about the highest reasonable price I would pay.

3) I am supporting independent artists, or newer artists who are still building their careers, NOT a conglomerate, or an artist who already makes more money in a week than I will in my lifetime.

4) The online store does not include any coding on files which would limit my use of them, i.e. limitations on copying and sharing those files. Sorry, but if I buy it, I own it, and will do as I please with it from there on.



I download when:



1) I'm in a country where getting the music I want is just not possible.

2) I only want one or two songs, but don't like the rest of the album.

3) The music I want is no longer available on CD.

4) I bought the CD, but now it's damaged or lost, and I want that music on my MP3 player. I paid for it once, I see no reason to pay for the same thing again.

5) I feel the record company and or the artists is gouging, or vastly overcharging for it's product, or is motivated by sheer greed.



Well, there's my opinion, agree or disagree as you like.

Answer 4

1. Half the "artists" are worth crap even though they have a few good songs, they'll be around for 2 years or so and have no artistic value to add to society.

2. Sick of paying 20$ for a CD with 2 good songs on it and the rest crap. I will however buy a CD from an artist that I know and trust that all or most of their songs are good.

3. Good artists always make enough money because people support them by, among other things, going to their concerts and making them popular so they can receive endorsements.

4. It's free on the radio and on tv. The only difference is that I have to listen to some stupid commercial. Years ago we'd sit with the tape recorder and record the songs and the borrow the tape to our friends. Nothing different now, except its much easier to get.

4. People who are all up in arms about it being stealing, listen to this: If i couldn't download a song that I liked, I would just choose not to listen to it. Simple as that. So there was never a choice between buy the album or steal(download) it. The choice was download it or not listen to it.

5. Some music you just cannot find in store or on itunes. Therefore, the only way to hear it is to download it from some website on the other side of the world.



Conclusion: People are sick of paying money for some bozo artist who has one hit on MTV. And there are hundreds of these artist. Their albums are not worth buying unless you want to use their cds for coasters.

Answer 5

Ummmm this is easy.... People download because its free.



But ,,, they do something else that we do automatic. We always strive to do things easier. Downloading is easy.



There's another reason why......... when i download songs for free .... i can have as many as i want and choose what song i want to here with one click. If i have to go through,,,, lets say 100 Cd's to look for a certain song,.,, i wouldn't get much listening done. We do not like changing Cd's over and over ,.,,, they came out with the 5 CD changer ,, 20 CD changer ,, 250 CD changer ,,,, so where does it stop? We will need to build a garage just to hold all our Cd's?



I think we do it because its easier AND because its free ( they both fit into the doing things easier category).



We buy off local artists because we are proud and want to have their album. A band in my town has a few great songs and i am waiting to give him 10$ for his album. I have his songs on myspace so why would i want to but it from him? I'm proud that i know him and he is in my town.



Plain and simple.

Answer 6

Well....let's just put it this way. I wouldn't dream of walking into a music store, picking up a CD, putting it in my bag and walking out without paying. That would be stealing. Many people from conception to distribution worked on that CD, they were paid for their work or will be paid based on my buying it. I wouldn't appreciate someone asking me to do my job without payment or asking me for free goods and services so why shouldn't I pay for someone else's work. If I can't afford it I shouldn't be downloading it. And if I don't think the whole CD is worth it, I can buy just the tracks I want.



And, also important for me, reputable sites like itunes or puretracks will let me download the music without getting a whole bunch of unwanted spyware and viruses along with the track!

Answer 7

Personally, I would never buy anything that comes from the Big Four, knowing that for all the 20 bucks I spend, only a penny ends up on the artist; add that to the shares that they have to pay to producers and featured guests, best-selling artists would still be poor unless they have their own label.



On the other hand, if it's an upcoming artist being hailed as the next Biggie or the next Michael Jackson, I'll probably buy after I get a sample of it.



Really, the Internet has been a gift and a curse for the music industry. If you want to download it, go ahead, but if you like what you hear, then buy it.

Answer 8

i buy cds when there are alot of songs on that album i like but download if theres only 1 or 2

Answer 9

Most artists pump out an album quickly after creating 1-2 good songs on the album. Of course with all the publicity and radio air time they create an illusion that the rest of their album is amazing. You then go to your local retail store and dish out 15-20 bucks on a cd and realize that it was crap. After a few of these you realize "I could save myself money by not buying the cd but only downloading certain tracks."



Yes it's illegal but in a way the consumer feels as if they were being taken advantage of. It's not in a sense getting revenge at the artist but with gas prices the way they are sometimes you just gotta download.



Personally if I download a few songs and realize that the artist is good I go ahead and buy the CD. I think a lot people support the artists. ITunes is amazing. Get previews of the CD before you buy them. Also FYE does that as well. Do your research then buy. Thats what I feel sometimes downloading feels like.

Answer 10

I buy albums of artists that I support. And if a cd is at a decent price, and what I've heard about the artist (radio air play time, demos on the internet on the artist's website, and the general buzz) is good.



Downloading is certainly an option to ensure that I only get good quality songs. But because I put a bit more effort into finding out about a cd and the content I have very few cds that I won't listen to the entirety of.



I save the risk of bugs on my computer, and I'm supporting an artist that I enjoy.



It's kind of like a democracy in a way. I know I'm just 'one person' and that my purchase of that cd may not have any effect in the grand sceme of things, but I want to make sure that my thoughts on music are heard. When I purchase a cd it joins in with the hundreds, maybe thousands or millions of other people that buy it, and the record company realizes: "Hey, people want to hear more music from this artist/genre" and they'll go out and try to find more of that genre, or contract/pay the artist to make another one.



So there's a lot of pop-princesses out there. Well they're out there because the majority of people are buying their albums. They'd be less dominant if the people that like ska, punk, rock, alternative, grunge, WHATEVER would buy their albums instead of just downloading them.



The record companies DO want to make money, and that's a sad fact. But if they know that people of a certain genre are downloading an album/artist/genre over buying it they're less likely to produce those albums. And instead the airwaves and cd stores are saturated by the 'crap'.



You want to have a say? Then shill out the $12-20 for an album, or if it's just a song then shill out the $1 it takes to download it from online (via whoever is out there).



The artists I love have all had their cd's purchased by me. Yes they only get a small amount of that cd sale, but it also says something to the record company: I like this music and I want to hear more of it.

Answer 11

People download albums for free, because they can. I think many people download albums because they don't want to pay for a whole album if they only like maybe a few songs out of a dozen or more tracks. As for buying local artists, and downloading international acts- I can't see why they'd do that, unless they think they're more likely to get caught by a local act, as opposed to an act on the other side of the world! It's too bad that people can't see that downloading free music is as good as stealing. It 's like you going to work, day after day, and not getting your full pay! How long would you keep working?



Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth- when I was a teenager- there wasn't the technology to download songs.

If groups wanted to sell albums, all the tracks had to be good ( think Beatles), or the albums wouldn't sell . Maybe some of the groups today should work a little harder, and produce better music to fill a CD, instead of just a few good tracks, and mostly not so good. I think people would be willing to pay for quality, instead of quantity!

Answer 12

I feel a mild stirring of guilt when I download for free ... only cuz by not buying the $20 cd at a record store, I'm depriving an artist that I genuinely like of their (this is just ballpark estimate) 70 cents. When I buy a cd, the bulk of that $20 is going to some talentless overpaid industry shark to pay for his second @#$%ing vacation home in the Hamptons while the hard-working artist(s) get(s) a pittance. Materials (hmm, I can buy a spindle of 50 CD-Rs for about 5 bucks) and distribution can't justify twenty freakin' dollars. Why I'll buy the band's cd from the merch table if I attend their concerts (which is where the bands make the real money ... concerts, that is ... and if I'm attending their concert, it's probably cuz I was impressed with some songs I'd downloaded) ... I'm under the impression that they get a larger share of the profits from merch sales. Otherwise, yeah ... I download. Free. They'll see me at the concert if it's any good.

Answer 13

If someone puts out an album with only one or two good songs on it, then I wouldn't even bother downloading it because they aren't very talented. A good album has only one maybe two tracks you don't particularly care for. Too many artists go for the big single. That's why I like heavy metal. They know what the music business SHOULD be about...putting on live shows all over the place (not just a US tour of a dozen places), and putting out a solid album.



When I hear a band is coming into town, I usually download an album or two to see if I like their music, and if I do, I go to see them live, and if they put on a good show I will buy their CD, and if I really was blown away i'll probably buy some other merch too.

Answer 14

The reason why people download albums for free instead of buying them is simple, they do not want to pay to listen to music. People who download do not understand that the art that is writing and producing music. They simply think that songs are put together for commercial purposes and songs take no effort to write and record. These people are also under the perception that the artists who write and sing music are already "rich" so buying an album will not make them "poor" all of a sudden because they have many endorsement deals therefore it is okay to download instead of buy albums. When some people download albums but other times they will pay they are placing more value on one artist over another when really they are exactly the same. If you buy one artists album you shouldn't download from another. I consider downloading the same as stealing.

Answer 15

I used to only listen to (and buy) music from a few of my favourite bands because I was always overwhelmed walking into a music store and reluctant to spend money on a CD I wasn't sure I would really like. Now I have a yahoo jukebox subsciption and I download and listen to anything and everything. I've found so many new artists (Malajube included) just by following links to other users who are listening to the same stuff I do. So basically - I'm always willing to pay to download but if I can listen to something new without paying up front or paying a flat fee for unlimited downloads, I'll listen to a lot more.

Answer 16

I think that people like to support their favourite artists by buying their albums but if they're just curious in hearing an album they wouldn't want to spend their money for it. I download without paying because it's so much easier. I don't have to go to the store and get it and since I don't have my driver's license it would be even more of a hassle to go get it. I also download without paying, like many young people, because we spend a lot of time on the computer and it's available to us without having to go to the store.Plus, the obvious reason is that the album is free when you download. The statement "I buy albums from local artists, but I download albums from international acts." is mostly true. After all, people are proud of homegrown artists. I always feel a little affectionate when I hear that someone famous is from my town, whereas if they were international acts I'd like them but I wouldn't feel the same way I would about local artists. Because of this I think that people want to support the local artists more, although some people don't care, and though they are still proud of local artists, they like downloading because it is, obviously, free.

Answer 17

Here's the deal. Many times you don't think the artist is worth spending the $20 it costs for a CD if you only like one or two songs. Some people are also just cheap and figure if i can sit at home and download a CD why no do it instead of going to the store and buying it. Personally i will download a CD on line for free if the artist isn't my favourite and I don't know what is on the CD but would like to know. Why buy the CD when I can get the same thing on line for free. The artist makes much more money than I do and many of them are cocky with their supporters money.

Answer 18

I can understand the dilemma of 20 bux really I do I operate a second hand cd shop with some new titles. But Im from the generation that use to buy records and ya sure ther was stinkos back then but you either traded them with a friend or maybe learned to like it in time the music climates changed.

The thing is that its to easy to use the excuse well im not payin 20 bux so im gonna get it for free thats weak its just become to easy and expendible. Its at the point know where people dont want to even pay 6 bux so as far as im concerned its over. Good luck payin the record companys you hate so much because they are controlling it. All you will see as music stores dissapear is the price will go up more for online music.

Answer 19

If I really like the band or I am collecting the albums I will buy the CD. If I just like the music I will get it for free or download as cheaply as possible.



The difference has nothing to do with how much money I believe the band should get...artists deserve whatever they can get considering their struggles and their chances (90% of them fail) but at the same time, I have to watch my money. It's a "law of the jungle" thing.



This is all about what you get when you do pay full price...a proper cover/insert, the jewel case and a CD with a nice painted label. CD and record collections are cool things and sadly, I calculated that I have only about 15GB of CD/vinyl and as much as 35Gb of MP3's. The way I see it, I have sacrificed the potential of a great CD collection my downloading free/cheap, but there is no way I could have afforded $14.000 to buy the (35Gb/50Mb) 700 albums I have in digital only.



Anyway, I could lose it all with the push of a button and it would take a house fire to lose my vinyl & plastic.

Answer 20

I'd say it's a few reasons. Personally I don't like the hassle of having to go all the way to the music store to buy a CD with only a few songs on it, so convenience is a factor.



On top of that there's the cost. I can't justify paying $24 or more for one or two songs, so price would be another factor.



Thirdly, I don't even have a discman anymore, preferring MP3 players.



On top of that I read a really interesting article on yahoo here where music companies are actually ruining the sound of music just to favor louder volumes. On top of that many don't seem to care about album art, special features, etc. so I see no real reason to spend all that money.



All in all I can't rationalize paying excessive prices for something I'll barely even use when I could just download it instead.

Answer 21

When it comes to buying albums and spending the $20-40 (yes international artists suck when you need to pay more for them) I'm intent on making it a worthwhile purchase and it'll take certain conditions for me to grab a new CD, but i'll opt for them simply due to SUPERIOR sound quality if anyone's actually listened to a CD and then the 128kbps version carefully you'll find an astounding difference.

1) The band will pit out a quality album

2) The album is cheap already sometimes they are decently priced

3) Buying compilations and hearing the best songs of lots of artists.



I usually download torrents of artists and get their entire discographies if I find it worth while i'll buy the new products as they come, because sometimes i'm not willing to risk said money and be left with a CD I won't listen to.

Answer 22

I buy CDs and download. If I hear a song on the radio I like I'll download it. If I end up with several songs downloaded from the artist I buy the CD. If I just have one song from the artist I don't buy the CD because it's not worth the money. If it's a really good song I may buy the single though.



Some artists I automatically buy their CDs because I know I will enjoy the entire CD and I'm a fan of them.

Answer 23

I always buy my albums and have never downloaded one for free.I think a lot of my attitude has to do with having worked in an independant bookstore for many years and having people ask if we had a photocopier!!

I know that artists and authors get royalties on what they sell and that by copying books or downloading CD's they are losing out on those royalties.

It almost seems to me like stealing.I know my pay was important for me to receive.

I don't like the attitude that because an artist or author receives a lot of money that they somehow don't deserve to be paid for what they do for a living.

You wouldn't expect to get free money from a banker or not pay commission when you buy a car or a house.

Answer 24

The only times that I will download music is if it is from a band that no CD Stores carry, for example the Pidgeon Detectives. Otherwise I will buy the CD because I feel that owning the CD adds to the sentimental value of the CD. Another reason is because I personnally want to support the band, escpecially if the band is a relative unknown like The View or the Cold War Kids.

Answer 25

Generally, I will only download music for free that I have already purchased at one time or another in my life. I have spent untold thousands of dollars over 40 years on thousands of vynyl albums, approx 2500 CD/DVD/Games, so I am not about to pay them again for music off the net. Record companies and hollywood have been making billions off us for a century. Also, I'll listen before I buy. As long as they insist on playing only the so-called top 40, and other similar nonsense and not give the record buying public a chance to hear what they want, not what some shmarmy record exec wants to hear. They are going to have to deal with it. Very very few CD's are worth over 5 bucks let alone 25, 30 and beyond. Its about time the record companies have had some pie taken off there plates. As far as the artists go, almost 90% are broke to begin with as there music is never heard.

Answer 26

There is a misconception that if someone downloads a hundred songs without paying then the music industry has lost one hundred paid songs. The truth is if the person had to pay for the songs they would probably only purchase one or two. Many artists would love to have someone want their music. Instead of trying to stop the downloads, offer a chance to have these songs at a reasonable price. It's all about supply and demand. Unfortunately the big guys don't seem to understand not everyone has a ton of money. It's all about me, me, me.

Answer 27

I only buy cds that I believe are high quality. If you only have one or two good songs I am not wasting my money on your album. I don't feel they are losing money by my downloading because I was not going to buy the album either way. As for iTunes, I don't like the idea of paying for something I am not actually getting. Part of the excitement of buying a new cd is opening it up and checking out what is included.

I went to see Douglas Coupland (Canadian author) talk once and he brought up what I think is a really good point. People get all bent out of shape over the concept of downloading music or burning cds because the artist deserves the money for their work but authors have had to deal with libraries forever and no one thinks that is a problem. What is the difference? Either way you are using and enjoying their work without paying for it.

Answer 28

Well, like so people said, buying a CD for 1 or 2 songs is a little bit expensive.



Often, I download CDs to see if I like it and if I do, I'll buy it.



Also, I never download album from Québec artist, I buy them to encourage our local talents.



Most of the french market is here in Québec and in France, but the english market is worldwide. That explain why I don't feel guilty to download american music.

Answer 29

Well its so much easier to download a song that you like for free, from your own home. Instead of driving/bussing it to the mall/store and paying for it. Then you have 90% of the songs that you dont like.



Its a waste of time and money really. The artists really make alot anyway.



Like KID ROCK put it, so what people are downloading my music. So I make 5 million a year now instead of 7. Its more than I need anyway so why do they complain?



Then there is Metallica who went to court and caused a huge fuss about how it should be illegal.



Its really a matter of opinion. I beleive its a good idea to download. But, buy a favourite band. For instance :



SUBLIME!!



I own all their albums, and when the 3 disc collection came out I bought that too. Even though I have the songs on my other Cds already. Its just something I have to do.



Like I said its just opinion.

Answer 30

I have some music that I have downloaded. Most of it is music that I have owned on vinyl or tapes in the past (most of which is now sitting in my crawl space) I already paid for the music, why should I pay again. Even more important is I do buy local artists CD's but then I do have a special interest as two of my sons are in bands (The Tranzmitors(Search Tranzmitors on MySpace and Taxes (Search Taxesarenew on Myspace) I have attended many shows and have come to appreciate up and coming artists and what they contribute to our music scene.

Answer 31

The reason I download full albums is to listen to them first to see if they are worth spending my hard earned money on. One thing I really hate is buying an album only to find 1 or 2 good songs on it. What a waste of money! I like it when a band streams their new album from their website. This way I can try before I buy and saves me the hassle of downloading the album. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be catching on with many bands I listen to.

Answer 32

Well, personally, I only download music because I cannot afford to go out and buy an album every time I want to listen to a song. Otherwise, I believe that music should be something there for the enjoyment of everyone without paying. Musicians who demand payment for their talent have forgotten what it really means to make music, and have instead opted to be greedy. You do not have to pay to listen to the radio anyways, why should I pay to listen otherwise? Sure, I know that musicians need to make a living too, but not enough to live like kings while their listeners still scrounge up enough to buy an album. The only time I will ever pay to listen to music will be paying for concert tickets.

Answer 33

If the artists can put out albums that have more than 3 good songs and not just 14 or 17 filler tracks, then I'm justified in paying money for their album. I won't buy a single song, thats just nonsense, and it makes my mp3 player all messy, but if they can produce a GOOD album with 8 good songs, thats enough that I need, but considering the genres I listen to (Metal and Underground Hip Hop), I buy albums all the time

Answer 34

In a word , DRM!



I will download a song OR buy a CD only when I get to decide what I will do with it. If I use itunes or whatever "legal" source to acquire it, I am restricted to only one PC, MP3 player , etc.

If I buy your CD,or borrow it, I can rip the songs I want free of any technolgical shackles and do what I want with it - burn it to CD, tranfer to as many other devices as I want, etc. Your itunes downloads are crippled, and I can only do with them whatever you (or your record label) says I can.



I will usually buy a CD from an artist I like but since I have little disposable cash, I'll wait a bit and buy it used and save a bundle. Most new CD titles seem to run $25-30 in the retail stores and that's just too much for one or two tracks I like.

Answer 35

If i'm unfamiliar with an artist I will download a few tracks, and if i like them I will go out and buy their albums. I've discovered talents i wouldn't have otherwise. Mainly because i didn't want to spend $10-$25 on a cd I wasn't sure I'd ever listen to more than twice.

Answer 36

If you are going to charge people for something they were not doing by placing an added fee on blank VHS, cassette tape, CD, DVDs then should people not be allowed to get value for that extra fee? We have all been found guilty and fined.



How many people and businesses buy these types of storage media for legitimate reasons such as storage of documents, security surveillance, etc. yet they pay the surcharge that goes to the artists?



I believe that as soon as the fee was levied, artists lost their right to complain.



In addition, I agree with the fact that artists do not produce quality music anymore. When music was on records, people had the option of buying the entire album or just a 45 which had a specific song that we liked.

Answer 37

I like finding bands who people don't know about. You can't always download these people's music off the internet and the only way is to buy their music. I also know that if their smaller bands that if i were to buy their music then i'm giving them the support they need in order to make it big.



If you were to buy a CD you have it for a life time rather than possibly loosing it because it was amongst the 100s of songs you downloaded and can't find.

Answer 38

In the past i have found free downloads are frustrating. Poor quality...... half finished downloads ....... cut off points. Overall folks ******* around with my favourite music. No consistency in content. I subscribe to e music , yeah they don't have everything but , they do have great alternative stuff including albums that were classics that did not fit the 'popular[' vein. At 33cents a track and specials it's the way I like to go. For the gurus of the perfect download, get wise there is no such ****. Iain Allex Maitland. Culloden Scotland

Answer 39

i believe (the reason for downloading for free) is because people hack into certain systems and manage to leak songs onto file sharing programs, saving the time and effort to go to the store for the music [and perhaps they're too lazy to pay for it]...i personally upload music from my CDs to my computer and usually ask a friend to send me a song if i really like it. i do go CD shopping, as i feel the need to support the music industry (can't live "sans musique")...i disagree with the "I buy albums from local artists, but I download albums from international acts." part..the last local CDs i bought were City and Colour & Act1: goodbye friends of the heavenly bodies by neverending white lights, whereas the last int'l artist album i bought was muse's 'black holes & revalations'...

Answer 40

I like the answer from sublime chick about Kid Rock. Why do artists need to make more than a couple of million. if they need it to pay for their lifestyle then they are living past their means and are contributing to the down fall of society. Besides aren't the artists supposed to create the music because they have a passion to share their insights to life, love etc; and not to just make money? With today's technology the artist should ask if they're doing it for money or to get their message out! if it's the former then maybe they should get a real job, live like the rest of us, and then try to buy all their favorite albums on a budget!!!

Answer 41

They probably figure that since they already have the software that enables them to download already on their computer it will be a lot cheaper and quicker for them to click the button and download. It saves them going out and spending around fifteen minutes in the mall. I mean, who would do that if they could spend ten minutes in their own home, on their couch, in front of their tv? Not many people.

On the other hand, most people will buy a cd if they think the band is worth it, or if they're already in the mall.

What these people don't know is that their band won't be around much if they don't get the funds from cd sales. I personally don't download, because my computer won't allow it, but I could see potential bonus features of it.

Answer 42

I believe and know the main word here is *Revenge* If everyone would buy CDs from the store there wouldn't be CDs costing like 20$. Well for us we download because theres tons of crap on every CD. Thats the artist's way of revenge of the people not paying to listen to their songs. For us, we get our revenge by downloading for free than buying a CD for 20$+ when the artist makes more money by like 1 album than i make in a lifetime. If not then the CDs cost like max 3-8 bucks!

Answer 43

I think some people come to the point where they think, "I've bought Uriah Heap's albums on records, then I bought the 8 tracks, a few years later I got the cassettes. Now, I think, I deserve to have a copy however I can get it." Besides, why not? I'm a Canadian and last time I checked it was legal here. I guess some countries are more backward.



I'm also a musician and make my music available, especially Cedric The Christmas Elf.

Answer 44

I think most people just want to "shop around"...I don't think they end up keeping half the stuff they download. It's like a library that they want to browse and often you discover new talent, and I do that on the video sites, on the radio, on MTV, so I don't get the whole hoopla.



I think when people really want something they will buy it, because everyone who loves music knows it's all about quality. The world has changed...people don't have money like they once did for frivolties...this is why music sales have cooled...who has 20 bucks to spend for one or two good songs on an album when the average (often single) mom with 3 kids is lucky to make $8 an hour. Dream on. And lets face it...it's kids who want this stuff mostly...not adults and they tire of it before you can say BOO.



And who is really upset are all the labels who made the hefty profits...don't forget the Rolling Stones were STARVING while their songs were making millions back in the 70s. It all went to the LABELS!!!!



Some people who download would never buy music anyhow.



And I would like to complain about having had to buy my music firstly on VINYL, then on TAPE, then CDS...and blasted...if I have to switch to another format I am going to SCREAM! Who is ripping who off?



CDs can't even be copied to computer to listen to as MP3s...not as far as I can figure out...so I have to buy mp3s if I want to go for a walk and bring music.



So there's some problems with this whole set up too.



People can copy music off radio, tv, video, the computer...it's been the problem from day one has it not? And no one complained before about recording in any of those other formats.



I'm just playing devils advocate with some of this but really the people who whine about this all are the labels. They can't make a killing off artists like they once did but they will TRY. So you suffer for the right to that exposure.



That is a problem between you and them and people will have to get used to I think. I'm sure they are getting a good chunk at your expense but your anger is misplaced.



There just aren't enough rich folks in this society anymore to profit off of. Wouldn't doubt they are the biggest offenders too.



But in case you haven't noticed the poor are getting poorer.



However the saving grace is CONCERTS! EVERYONE makes a killing on the insane cost of concerts and promotional stuff that goes with it...concerts now cost $100 to $150--it was maybe $30 to see the hottest performer when I was a teen.



A good tour ought to keep artists of today in pretty good standing for quite some time.



What I wouldn't give to catch a concert again of my favourite artists....but I just can't afford it. Say if you want to download me into a concert please feel free anytime. ^_^

Answer 45

All I can say is that I will NEVER download free music. I am a music lover. If it will cost me $25.00 for one song off an album, I don't care (I bet I hear some song that most people will never hear). The artists that write and sing the music I love deserve the small chunk of the profits.



How would you like to make less money because you have a talent.

Answer 46

If there were any means to pull off an audio track from an album you thought was worth something but to find out the rest of the songs included suck, then I'd rather stick to the usual download, as many would've(don't you agree?). If I happen stumble on an artist who has a good reputation to produce good music without any of those silly wack job endorsements just to keep them afloat, I would most definitely by any means support them through purchasing their cd...Most albums nowadays are nothing but mere dillusional unless someone digs up enough dirt to prove they're worth listening to... About local bands, well, it'll depend on how good they are. Pride is everything to most of us and being big internationally just shows how successful they are from ground up. Which would therefore conclude only if you listen to their music. If it's good then it's pretty much obvious to buy their cd without hesitation. After all, consumers spend to those who they think are potentially worth it. You could always go to sites(amazon.com/music for example) to test the waters before attempting to buy an artist's album whether it's online or not. It's a safe leverage plus avoiding risks of "oh, this album blows" mentality...

Answer 47

I really don't understand why there is such an issue with people downloading songs. Why? Because for the longest time all we had to do was request a song on the radio, and when it played we'd record it on to tape; or if we heard a song on the radio we'd hit the "record" button. Come on! We all did it, don't deny it. ;) These days we don't have to listen to the radio all day and wait for the song to come on to the radio, we just download it. Perhaps the only reason why anyone is complaining is because it's so easy now. Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson have still made a fortune and they started their career in the time when we could down load their work.

Answer 48

One song $1, that is alright if you like the song. 1 Album $20, not a very good deal if the album is 90% crap like the majority of albums are these days. The artists want me to spend my money on their products, but have they ever stopped to consider whether you would willing buy rotten apples from the grocery store? I think not!!!!!

Answer 49

I buy music online because downloading for free is illegal. I also think about the artist's right to make money off the song or albums. I consider how I would feel, as a writer, if someone were to put one of my books on the internet and give it away for free. I would feel pretty violated.



I think people dowload for free because they are sick of paying $20 for a C.D. and there being one or two good songs on it while the rest is garbage. It's a bit of revenge.

Answer 50

I believe the internet is creating a young generation of thieves.. a generation of kids who are being taught incorrect values. These values consist of one exceptionally large flaw...that everything should be free. In other words, why should they work for a living and pay for any type of entertainment. If these kids had it their way, everything would be free.



A few months prior to Napster being sued, declaring bankruptcy and being fined, a US Dentist was sued for over $100,000 due to his 11 year old daughter having thousands of mp3s on her computer. The internet police are there kids. This dentist had the FBI knock on his door. There were many other indictments activated as well.



The Internet Police are collecting information on your IP addresses kids. You may not know it, but they are. Limewire is next. Media Lawyers are in the Supreme Court right now awaiting judgement on rights to to indict IP Addresses from Limewire.



Do you want the FBI knocking on your door?



I've read all your pathetic excuses for stealing money from hard working musicians, directors, actors and producers. I don't care how much money they make. The bottom line is this ... when you download a movie, copy a dvd, download music or videos, you are STEALING money from someone. I know you kids don't understand this...you've been brainwashed to do this and it's very sad. Very, very sad.



Just think about this....sometime soon this generation will be running the world...a generation that considers theft to be a way of life.

Answer 51

I buy all the music I listen to.



If I like a song by an artist or goup I will buy their CD. For these folks creating, recording and performing music is their job. If we, the music listening public don't buy their CD's, they don't get paid.



I've heard all the arguments before; "CD's are too expensive"; "I don't want to buy a CD and find out I only like one song on the CD", etc.



It shouldn't matter. True fans, loyal fans, should be PURCHASING the CD's from their favourite bands, not stealing from them. If you are afraid that you won't like all the songs on the CD wait until more of the CD is release for air play on the radio, or borrow a friend's copy so you can decide.

Answer 52

There's a certain rush when I buy an actual CD. When I open it, it takes forever just to get the plastic wrapper off then you see the actual CD and the booklet. You stare at the booklet in awe and absorb every single detail, then you pop the CD in and you listen to very word, on every track. I only like buying CD's if I actually like it. If I only like 1 song on the CD, why would I want to pay $25 for just 1 song?! That's really outrageous. I kind of feel for the artists though, but with every industry there are flaws, and in the music/entertainment industry, this is one of them.

Answer 53

In Canada, it's simple. There's a tax on all CDs, DVDs, and other recording media. Artists receive royalty fees from the tax. You download it for free because you already paid for the music with the tax you paid when you bought blank CDs. The artist gets the royalties. The only people who lose are the middlemen... the marketers who add no value anyway.

Answer 54

I rarely buy CD's.

Why? Simple.

I don't have the money for it.

I would love to support all my favourite artists and buy their CD's but in between my part-time job, spending money, clothes, and saving up for tuition, I don't have the money for that.

The few CD's I get a year are from my very, very, veryyy favourite artists.

And the rest of them, well, if they were ever playing at a concert nearby I'd be there in a flash.

If it weren't for having downloaded their music, I wouldn't go, because I wouldn't know who they are. There's still profit to be made...

Answer 55

I feel music is not something to pay for, how can you buy sound? I don't think Hilary Duff would miss 12.99, especially if I told everyone how great her new album is, some small bands, you can't even find in stores, downloading is very good word of mouth.

Answer 56

For me personally, I find that the cost of a new music album is way too expensive... The albums are $16-$20 for not even that many songs.. The singers are raking in millions, buying houses all over the world so obviously they aren't hurting and are bringing in HUGE profits... If they cut their prices in half, everyone would still make a profit, though maybe not as much and there would be more purchases..

Answer 57

I would prefer to only listen to the specific song by an artist, not the whole album. My CD's are a mixture of many different styles of music, country, pop, blues.

Answer 58

Sometimes I will download a song that I have already on CD or tape because I want it on my MP3 player, or because my CD is scratched. (Do I lose my right to the song once the CD is damaged or once the technology changes?).



Also I have been sold so much CRAP in my life from all kinds of artists that I feel I deserve many years' worth of free downloads.

Answer 59

I would love to have free music downloads, but only with the permission of the artist and/or his or her recording studio. I have downloaded "free" music through special promotions but otherwise I would prefer to pay for my downloads because fair is fair - the people who produce the music deserve to be compensated for their efforts, and to download music w/o permission is the same as stealing. I would not want someone stealing my property so I do not wish to steal anyone else's.

Answer 60

I'll but a cd if its a band that i already know will give me a complete album, not one or two raido friendly hits and the rest filler...hey even if music artists make crap all in cd sales, they can still tour and make a hell of a lot more $$$ than the average joe...and make it while seeing the world and doing something they love...so funk that $hit!!!

Answer 61

I pretty much only buy cds from local unsigned bands from where I live and surrounding areas. Or if i'm at a concert I'll buy a cd and get the band to sign it.. but i usually just download music.

Answer 62

I have a feeling it has something to do with convenience!?! and or the another step in gathering & or setting up of ones own musical library!?! For instance: Have you ever saw a video for a certain song that you might like ALOT !?! & then on some weekend maybe a local radio D~J might somehow give it that extended version via whatever equip.!?!. That way you may have many vesions of a popular tune!?! & to be able to D/L it may be seen by some as "SOoBoss"!?! if you will. ;-D `'R"r.r`r,r',.

Answer 63

Why buy an album for 20$ when there's only one good song on it? When artists start pumping out "decent albums" where all the songs are "all killer no filler", I'll pay!

Answer 64

tried to find the two albums from a particular artist on limewire and torrent...no dice...the local cd place only had one of the 2 albums, and the online cd stores were charging $30 for both...itunes store were charging $15 for both...no brainer...



I think it's great that itunes store can deliver great canadian artists the exposure that most retail cd stores are failing to do...even the online stores have a lesson to learn from itunes store...

Answer 65

I think that the new technology has made us lazier. Why leave the comfort of your home to shop? We are cheaper with our spending, i.e.) "why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?"

Also, some people believe that as long as they pay for their computer-tech stuff, and the internet provider, then any free downloads are theirs for the asking. If it was illegal, most believe that it would not be available to them.

Even my nephew, who is 9 years old, downloads music for his iPod Shuffle!! I think once people are more informed, and realize that not all musical artists are rich, they might have more of a conscience. My thought as to why my adult children have been known to down load, "steal" songs: "International acts are richer than local artists. They have already made their millions!"

Answer 66

Usually a downloader will feel obliged to pay if they really like the album of musicans work. If they find it mediocre and they just want to have a listen the free download it too tempting.

Answer 67

i dunno. i just know i dont like having 2 pay if i dont have 2. i would say downloading 4free is alot less work than going 2 the store & buying. besides, downloading allows u2 put only the songs that u like, in ne order that u like as well-duz it not?ive nevr actually done it, but i want 2. how else would they make mix cds.ive only got mix tapes-pretty ancient thing 4 my age.



btw, how did u get the thing 2 set 4 "29 days left 2 answer"??????? or is it just another glitch in the service, & u only have like 2 days or sumthin?



also btw, i totally agree w/ sneakers. alot of music on a cd is just crap w/ 1 or 2 good songs.THATS the reason i dont wanna blow all my money on an album @ the store. mix cds r WAY better.

Answer 68

people download albums for free instead of buying them, it's because, sOme peOple are nOt riCh! and other are havE!

like in the Philippines, Or the people there are very practical, and they do'nt want to spend mOre monEy to buy something that they can buy in a lower priZe and also have same quality. So that, i also buy things that is not oRiginal... BE PRACTICAL!!!;P

Answer 69

My understanding is that using free sites makes the user vulnerable to viruses, etc. Since I use my PC for work, I cannot risk that exposure. Therefore, I use the Canadian site, Puretracks. It doesn't have all the bands I like, and I am pay 99 cents and up, but so far, so good. But my decision has nothing to do with fear of breaking copyright laws!

Answer 70

Reason people download for free: In a word - (It's) Easy.



I'm not convinced that the issue of downloading free music has as much to do with a moral or ethical way of choosing as we may think. As a result of all our technological advancements we're 'free' to enjoy whatever the inquisitive mind desires, we now simply have more options available to learn, and to consume for the purpose of enriching our daily lives --- of which, the lion share of information is - free...



Consider that Yahoo! or wikipedia have usurped the need of visiting a library. It's about the accessibility of information and that includes a cross section of (free) information.



As for the issue of downloading music, the ease in which we're able to acquire what we want when we want (for free) is the perfect trifecta...



jk

Answer 71

I'd rather have one or two songs, and not an album of filler. Also, I think that the poor quality of music justifies free downloads.

Answer 72

I buy music I want. Typically on CD and if I want it in my PC or MP3 player, I put it there. Why buy? Well, simple, regardless of how rich an artist might be, they still did the work. They earned the money. That's all.

Answer 73

It all comes down to cost. The price for one perhaps two good songs on a Cd does not warrant the cost. Most people cannot afford to pay for things they don't want.

Just charge the cost of a 'single' if that's all it's going to be.

Answer 74

In my opinion, I believe everyone's situation is subjectively relative to what they have available.



In my own case, I have very certain and justified reasons why I download music more often than buy it. First of all, I'm a metalhead. My music is not just any kind of heavy metal you find easily in HMV or MusicWorld (i.e Metallica, Slayer, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, etc.). My kind of heavy metal is very obscure, marginalized and "underground" to everyone else's knowledge. If I were to name bands, hardly anyone except those interested and involved in the scene and genre like myself would know which artists I'm talking about.



A lot of the artists I personally enjoy are European and I'm also on a very fixed income. Many of the albums I would prefer to buy and enjoy are fairly expensive because they are foreign imports from overseas (mainly from Europe, costing between $21-$34 dollars a disc on average). These albums are not normally distributed widely in big chain music stores like the above mentioned. Usually they are sold in more smaller, specialized, independent record stores, or can be orderly cheaper through mail-order distros or actual cult/indie metal record labels.



Additionally, I'm an avid collector of rarities, bootlegs, demos, etc. I can't find stuff like that in a store very easily, very often. So instead, I download them for free because my chances of finding somebody with a copy of what I'm looking for, ripped in mp3 format, is much higher than hunting in stores. Although, many even in my subterranean fringe of music would also espouse the same value - "buy the original album, support the artist," usually these artists are more understanding of the appreciation of true fans, and concern themselves with better things like loyalty to their fans/friends/supporters, making artistically plausible and appreciative art (I said "art" and not just "music") and sneering and jeering in the face of the commercial mainstream - instead of being "popular," selling copies and making profit.



So there are my reasons. Plus, being on a fixed income, I need to save money to live rather than buy CDs (i.e. pay my bills, eat, pay rent, etc. is more important to me at this time).

Answer 75

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Answer 76

Does the cd tax in canada really get to the artists? paying their rent is it? I think not. I think the above are all excuses for being frugal.



And paying for local bands is like giving to charity, it makes them feel good.



The people seem to be saying they would pay for good songs...good compositions...yet they buy local shmocal. I dunno?



I just don't know.

Answer 77

I buy the cd as i have no idea how to download.

I like to go to the store buy the cd then play it in my car.

It is sad though that i cant buy any greek or, merengue cds here i suppose i shall have to learn how to down load!!!!!!!!

trouble is i dont know any teenagers!!!!

Answer 78

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Answer 79

I dont like to download but have to when certian prouducts wont play my paid for i tunes Like my x box 360 it can only play downloaded and or real albums if I really wanted to play my songs I would have to burn them to disk and then play it sucks

Answer 80

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Answer 81

It's simple - why pay for something when you can get it for free? People don't like to spend money when they don't have to, and people love convenience. Downloading music is free and convenient.

Answer 82

people are too cheap to support the artist for one. and its never good to download it for free because its basically file sharing. and file sharing is neverr a good thing. while you are downloadig a song from someones computer, they can take things out of your computer. it also leaves your computer open for attacks. whereas if you go to a secure website that you have to pay for, then you dont have to worry about attacks. hope that helped and made sense.

Answer 83

Well how many people out there in the world think that artists have enough money as it is and i dont think that my $20 is going to save their children from goin hungry or them from paying their $5.2 million mortgages.

Answer 84

well i don't really download that often. but when i do its generally because i only like one song, and dont' want to spend 20 bucks for the one song on the entire cd.

Answer 85

I always buy, never just download. When you buy, money goes to the artist, its a business. when u dont pay, its stealing.

Answer 86

I always pay for the music. I never download music for free; I don't believe in it.

Answer 87

I always buy an artist c.d if i am a fan, if i am not a fan but only like a song or two, then i will download it.

Answer 88

It is like listening to the radio, you like the song you buy album.

What are the artists going to do start charging me to listen to there songs on the radio?

How many records have you bought only to find out there was only one good song on them?

Answer 89

I download for free because it is free and I can get exactly the songs I want.

Answer 90

People think that getting songs for free is illegal and it is the right thing to buy. Some people dont really care and get songs for free.

Answer 91

Because some people work for a living and understand the concept of an "honest day's work for an honest day's pay" and other people are criminals that don't seem to care if a musician lives a life of perpetual poverty.

Answer 92

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Answer 93

i like one song on your CD so im not going to pay 25 bucks for a silly disc. ill download it for free. now if its a disc filled with wicked songs kickass behind the scenes exclusive and has such nifty things in it you bet ill fork out money for it.

Answer 94

i download songs if i only like one song in that album,, but if i like all the songs in the album, ill buy the cd

Answer 95

I WORK FOR THE LARGEST RETAIL STORE IN NORTH AMERICA AND THE REASONS THAT WE ARE GIVEN IS THAT THE MAJORITY OF ALBUMS RELEASED ARE WAY TO EXPENSIVE FOR A LARGE PART OF THE POPULATION, WHERE A SMALLER GROUP DO IT BECAUSE THEY FEEL THEY PAY FOR THE INTERNET AND DON'T THINK THEY RECEIVE ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL WHEREAS ANOTHER SMALL GROUP DO BECAUSE THEY CAN.

Answer 96

Some people download them, simply because they just cannot afford the luxury of buying music........they are usually the homeless, the strugglers with families who just want something nice and uplifting to listen to to help them take another step in life, just to survive, and if its going to help them feel better about life and its problems, then I we should all be glad about it..............THERE is PLENTY for EVERYONE!!! The composers get their %, the agents...their %, and etc, etc, etc......look on it like your donating to the red cross and everyone will feel better about it.

Answer 97

It is still not illegal in Canada so that probably has some impact along with many of the answers that were given.

Answer 98

i dunno but what i think is that if its a really good band or something then they might want to get the album to see any think extra and if its something else that isnt realllllllllllllllly good then they'll download it or if its just cheaper

Answer 99

well i would buy it only if it is not available to download or it is very cheap and i like it alot.

Answer 100

I download from http://www.gomusic.ru/default.aspx



Its cheap, and legal.

Answer 101

because its free, for most people free is good.

Answer 102

obviously cuz they dun wanna pay, would u wanna pay for music when u can easily get it for free? i dont think so...

Answer 103

free is free, paying is paying, which do you chose?:)

Answer 104

wats da question again>