Do you illegally download music? [Archive]

gr33ndayfr3ak

10/21/09, 10:33 PM

FullCollaspe

10/21/09, 10:47 PM

Nope, if I want to get some free songs I just use Hypem, but most of the time I just buy my music.

tonyC4L

10/22/09, 12:57 AM

yes and i always feel bad when i do but then i listen to it and i feel better.

sasalukac

10/22/09, 01:53 AM

Absolutely yes.

sasalukac

10/22/09, 01:56 AM

loganmmm

10/22/09, 03:28 AM

Nope, I do not download music illegally.

pennie

10/22/09, 03:53 AM

Yes I do.

jeremypeele

10/22/09, 05:11 AM

I don't anymore. I just go buy used albums from record stores or new albums from best buy.

Jaimehere

10/22/09, 05:20 AM

I DO, but if the cds are available i always buy them when they come out, but most of the music i listen to are underground and not sold in major cd stores here FUCK

MADSTA

10/22/09, 06:21 AM

I try to buy as many CDs as possible. Which is hard because I'm a university student making minimum wage and CDs are expensive.

gr33ndayfr3ak

10/22/09, 08:44 AM

The fact that you capitalized your "IS" makes me think you are a man who is morally opposed to free music downloads.

Actually I was merely emphasizing the point..I do, in fact, download music. I buy CDs as often as I can, but most of the time I just can't afford it. Doesn't mean it isn't wrong though.

Paulb-182

10/22/09, 09:09 AM

Nope and I never will

TwelveTribes230

10/22/09, 09:29 AM

E. Clectic

10/22/09, 09:52 AM

I usually buy albums that i downloaded first and couldn't live w/o the physical copy of.

ie. Beggers or This Will Be The Death Of Us

kbi the crowing

10/22/09, 10:06 AM

I do, but only if it's a digital only or itunes only release
not albums, I buy all my shit

thecomedown

10/22/09, 10:13 AM

yes. if i bought every album that i ever wanted, i would have no money. it's just too expensive.

fourletterword

10/22/09, 11:15 AM

recall reality

10/22/09, 01:40 PM

I'm doing a research paper on illegally downloading music and its effects/consequences and such. I read that almost 95% of digital music is downloaded illegally, and was just curious.

EDIT: I'm not asking if you think it's okay to do or not..because it IS illegal. Just if you do it or not.

Are you saying just because something is illegal, it's wrong? Quite an assumption for a research paper considering plenty of bands, even labels, support illegal downloading and there are certainly positive effects/consequences.

And to answer your question, yes, I do... balanced with what purchases I can afford.

gr33ndayfr3ak

10/22/09, 03:13 PM

Are you saying just because something is illegal, it's wrong? Quite an assumption for a research paper considering plenty of bands, even labels, support illegal downloading and there are certainly positive effects/consequences.

And to answer your question, yes, I do... balanced with what purchases I can afford.

Good point..that was poorly worded on my part. No, I do not believe that something that is illegal is necessarily wrong.
On the other hand, even though bands and labels support something that is illegal, that doesn't make it okay.
And there are definitely positive effects that can result from it..that's why I thought it would make a good topic.

gr33ndayfr3ak

10/22/09, 03:18 PM

Nope. I hope people understand that bands need cd sales to actually continue as a band. If you don't buy their cd...then it only will later result in the band breaking up. I could understand if the band is huge and sells 500,000+ cds, but smaller bands rely on every single cd sale because that is what actually keeps them going as a band. If you don't buy their cd, then you are mostly hurting yourself because if that band breaks up, then you won't get any new music from them.

That's not entirely true. A band's income is based on touring and merch sales just as much [if not more than] as CD sales. I can't speak from experience as I've never been in a band, but I've heard from multiple artists that they don't mind if fans illegally download their music as long as they come to a show and buy a shirt or something. CD sales are definitely important, but I don't think a band needs to rely solely on those for income, nor that they will break up if they don't sell a bunch of them.

HometownHero

10/22/09, 04:10 PM

I DO, but if the cds are available i always buy them when they come out, but most of the music i listen to are underground and not sold in major cd stores here FUCK
Doubt that. The internet is a solid tool. You can buy Cds or digital files on there. Try it out

kbi the crowing

10/22/09, 04:41 PM

That's not entirely true. A band's income is based on touring and merch sales just as much [if not more than] as CD sales. I can't speak from experience as I've never been in a band, but I've heard from multiple artists that they don't mind if fans illegally download their music as long as they come to a show and buy a shirt or something. CD sales are definitely important, but I don't think a band needs to rely solely on those for income, nor that they will break up if they don't sell a bunch of them.

it's not about income, it's more about them being able to be promoted so they can keep touring and shit

Jaimehere

10/22/09, 06:41 PM

Doubt that. The internet is a solid tool. You can buy Cds or digital files on there. Try it out

the only problem is i don't like buying things thru the internet, had some bad experiences before lol dunno though, might try it again or maybe i'll just go to ONE store in the country in the deepest darkest lair of Manila where i know they sell LOADS of original imported cd's

voncorn

10/22/09, 06:45 PM

Yes.

trappedintime

10/22/09, 07:20 PM

Used to. Not anymore.

gr33ndayfr3ak

10/22/09, 08:58 PM

it's not about income, it's more about them being able to be promoted so they can keep touring and shit

So if they don't sell a ton of albums, the label won't feel like it's worth it to promote and finance the band? I suppose that makes sense.

EDIT: That wasn't supposed to sound sarcastic haha.

kbi the crowing

10/22/09, 09:50 PM

So if they don't sell a ton of albums, the label won't feel like it's worth it to promote and finance the band? I suppose that makes sense.

EDIT: That wasn't supposed to sound sarcastic haha.

I didn't take it as sarcastic haha but yeah basically that

jwicklun

10/22/09, 10:54 PM

yes and no. yes for individual songs, but I usually buy a whole CD for a band that really deserves my money.

jwicklun

10/22/09, 10:56 PM

also if my school finds out your illegaling downloading off of their wi fi network, you ass will be (metaphorically) raped into a oblivion.

justinmfi

10/23/09, 04:38 AM

Nope. I hope people understand that bands need cd sales to actually continue as a band. If you don't buy their cd...then it only will later result in the band breaking up. I could understand if the band is huge and sells 500,000+ cds, but smaller bands rely on every single cd sale because that is what actually keeps them going as a band. If you don't buy their cd, then you are mostly hurting yourself because if that band breaks up, then you won't get any new music from them.

Bands actually rely more on merch sales and concerts...cause after cd sales, they see very little profit from it...due to everyone getting a cut. I download music all the time...helps me discover new bands, and makes me wanna go out and buy the music, go to shows, and buy merch....Its the new marketing tool once they figure out how to use it right

peaced

10/23/09, 08:10 AM

Bands will be fine no matter what we do. I think this has already been proven. If recorded music was no longer worth money the music industry would still thrive. (we would lose a lot of shit that is produced to get on the radio and create record sales) Do you think the number of bands would decrease and stop popping up out of the suburbs? Hell no. I don't even think they'd take American Idol off the air.

Look into all the cases of bands not worrying about making money on album sales, you'll find a heavy list.

tonyC4L

10/23/09, 08:34 AM

If you don't buy their cd...then it only will later result in the band breaking up.
What is a slippery slope?

TheZeroKid

10/23/09, 08:55 AM

I download all my music and if the album is really good, I'll buy it on vinyl, if it's available

fran.182

10/23/09, 11:23 AM

Yes and I always will.

zachff

10/23/09, 12:14 PM

I download a fair amount of music, but I'd say 75%+ of the albums I've listened to more than 3-4x are albums that I buy physical copies of.

jwicklun

10/23/09, 12:25 PM

What is a slippery slope?
not a big deal?! well about to show you something...and I don't think your gonna like it.
http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/103759

Metal Now

10/23/09, 02:25 PM

not a big deal?! well about to show you something...and I don't think your gonna like it.
http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/103759

This. No one has ever spoken so eloquently on the issue of music downloading.

Yes, I simply don't have enough money to buy all the music I want, but if I enjoy an album, I will make sure to get it.

Alex DiVincenzo

10/23/09, 03:35 PM

With the amount of music that I listen to, I don't have the money to buy every CD. I purchase the ones I really like and go to the shows of any bands that I can.

11:11

10/23/09, 03:50 PM

I download illegally, but if I love the album, I try and buy it.

mike'smannequin

10/23/09, 06:05 PM

nope

jmirand1

10/23/09, 06:49 PM

Of course. And, no, I do not feel guilty or bad about it in any way. CDs are expensive! You have to take what you can get for free.

jmirand1

10/23/09, 06:51 PM

jmirand1

10/23/09, 06:55 PM

Nope. I hope people understand that bands need cd sales to actually continue as a band. If you don't buy their cd...then it only will later result in the band breaking up. I could understand if the band is huge and sells 500,000+ cds, but smaller bands rely on every single cd sale because that is what actually keeps them going as a band. If you don't buy their cd, then you are mostly hurting yourself because if that band breaks up, then you won't get any new music from them.

Just because a band doesn't get rich doesn't mean they'll break up. I play in a few bands. We record and release music. We play shows. We do not make any (significant) money from it, but we do it anyways. Now, can a band/label afford full-time touring and promotion without significant CD sales? That's another story...

TwelveTribes230

10/23/09, 07:09 PM

Just because a band doesn't get rich doesn't mean they'll break up. I play in a few bands. We record and release music. We play shows. We do not make any (significant) money from it, but we do it anyways. Now, can a band/label afford full-time touring and promotion without significant CD sales? That's another story...

Sure you may be able to live a comfortable life because you (this just a guess) probably have a job and a band on the side. I'm talking about bands that are signed and barely get by...which in their case ... every sale counts. Especially bands that have been around for a long time. I've seen many bands over the years that are forced to break up because of money issues. Mabey cd sale are not the only aspect, but it still plays a huge role. Also if you download music to find bands and buy their cd later than I have no problem with that, but I feel (just my opinion) that is a slap in the face to the band because they put all their money into their band. I don't know...I just feel obligated to pay for every cd because I know the bands need the money and I feel good knowing that I helped them out.

recall reality

10/23/09, 08:06 PM

If rock stars and cokehead label execs say something is okay, then it's okay.

Point taken, but I wasn't talking about "rock stars" or "cokehead label execs". Relatively smaller labels and fairly DIY oriented bands are actually what come to mind. I'm not even saying it's okay, just that there are reasons why some in the music business concede to some degree of illegal downloading.

jmirand1

10/23/09, 08:23 PM

Point taken, but I wasn't talking about "rock stars" or "cokehead label execs". Relatively smaller labels and fairly DIY oriented bands are actually what come to mind. I'm not even saying it's okay, just that there are reasons why some in the music business concede to some degree of illegal downloading.

Haha I know I got your point I just saw the opportunity to make an obnoxious joke. Actually, "cokehead label execs" seem to discourage illegal downloading a lot more than smaller labels and DIY-oriented bands, perhaps because they (the rich guys) have more to lose (entertainment industry executives aren't known for having particularly long careers.)

Edit: And by "discourage," I mean lawsuits and $250,000 fines.

makeasound

10/23/09, 08:49 PM

I try as hard as I can to buy anything/everything, unless it's out of print or not available in the United States for whatever reason.

Lately I have been downloading more than I really would like to, mainly because I'm flat broke and somewhat in debt but still want as much new music as I can digest. Once I've gotten my finances back in order and have some spending money, I do plan on buying the majority of the music that I've downloaded (the albums I've actually liked).

spunkmastaflex

10/23/09, 08:51 PM

I think i have dled two albums in the past year while bought 50 so im countin myself as a nope

fueledbyvictory

10/24/09, 08:07 AM

Absolutely yes.

Your avatar. <3

I can't seem to beat Oil Drum Alley in hero mode on Donkey Kong Country. It makes me sad.

Dumpweed

10/24/09, 04:39 PM

Haha. Good try, RIAA. Not falling for this one.

George-Michael

10/24/09, 04:46 PM

I haven't in probably about 3 years. I used to often, but stopped based on moral and also virus issues.

DogSizedBird

10/24/09, 10:34 PM

Download first, and then if I like it enough to, I'll buy it on vinyl. I buy as much music as I possibly can, but I won't not listen to something because I can't afford it.

pleasedontpanic

10/25/09, 01:33 AM

Download first, then if I like it I will buy it.

SuNDaYSTaR

10/25/09, 02:22 AM

yes and i always feel bad when i do but then i listen to it and i feel better.Win.

Sarcasm

10/25/09, 05:05 AM

Haha. Good try, RIAA. Not falling for this one.
ahahah good one.

Nick Hull

10/25/09, 07:22 AM

Never. Physical copies are a necessity.

nerdvglc

10/26/09, 02:00 AM

I try to buy as many CDs as possible. Which is hard because I'm a university student making minimum wage and CDs are expensive.
exactly. for me.

tentativetitle

10/26/09, 01:55 PM

I have never downloaded one song illegally in my entire life. It is a crime comparable to murder...

joppyxtsl

10/27/09, 07:03 PM

I buy vinyl. other than that I download illegally (at times, on itunes if they have good bonus features)

imtherealdave

10/27/09, 11:25 PM

Bands actually rely more on merch sales and concerts...cause after cd sales, they see very little profit from it...due to everyone getting a cut. I download music all the time...helps me discover new bands, and makes me wanna go out and buy the music, go to shows, and buy merch....Its the new marketing tool once they figure out how to use it right

Smaller bands can make quite a bit of their money from CD sales.

dookiedog

10/28/09, 01:43 PM

I don't steal from musicians!

muttley

10/28/09, 09:00 PM

Yes. I'm surprised to see so many people saying no.

blue_bedlight

10/28/09, 09:05 PM

Hell yea I do. The artist isn't getting any money from it anyway so why not. There are certain bands and artists that I refuse to download though and just go out and buy on release day.

jay_klinkhammer

10/28/09, 09:24 PM

Like it's been said before.....Artists may not see the money from the CD sale directly...but those numbers help the band in other ways in getting label support.

With that being said....I download like crazy because I'm broke. When I start my real life "adult" job next week, I'm sure I will be purchasing a lot more.

abandonship

10/28/09, 11:09 PM

i download music, but i'm in the process of buying everything that i actually listen to since i got a job

NateGolubiewski

10/29/09, 02:19 PM

I used to illegally download music about 4 or 5 years ago when I didn't have a job. Now that I have a job, I buy all of my music.

Edit: A follow-up question might be if those who illegally download have a job/the money to actually purchase the album?

Neo Cassady

10/29/09, 02:20 PM

Only in two circumstances: (1) to "try before I buy" so I don't waste money, and (2) when I buy vinyl, so I can also put the album on my iPod.

Theseventhson

10/29/09, 07:13 PM

I don't have enough money to get a record whenever I discover a new band, I buy CD's and records quite a bit, though.

futilespider

10/29/09, 08:31 PM

yeah. i buy a lot as well, but i'd be lying if i said i didn't steal some of it.

specially at the end of hte month when i have no money.

wheresadalia

10/29/09, 11:08 PM

With the amount of music that I listen to, I don't have the money to buy every CD. I purchase the ones I really like and go to the shows of any bands that I can.
this. i download a lot, but if i have the money or it's band i really love, i will buy the cd eventually. i love having physical copies, but being in college with a minimum wage job....yeah, doesn't leave the money to go to shows AND buy all the cds for the >100 bands i listen to.

gr33ndayfr3ak

10/29/09, 11:35 PM

this. i download a lot, but if i have the money or it's band i really love, i will buy the cd eventually. i love having physical copies, but being in college with a minimum wage job....yeah, doesn't leave the money to go to shows AND buy all the cds for the >100 bands i listen to.

Agreed on all points. Honestly, I don't know how the RIAA expects the music industry to thrive if no one steals music. I know that buying a CD supports the band and makes it more easier for them to stay on a record label and everything, but no one has enough money to buy all of the music they love and want to support. I mean, the RIAA even says that college kids download the most because they are the most avid music listeners, but that's because college kids are also the least financially stable! If people didn't download music, they are much less likely to support a band and help it to thrive.

DruC4

10/30/09, 12:12 AM

i only illegally download when it's an individual song the artist doesn't make available on a cd.
i just love physical copies so much. i've been known to pre-order, and if i don't get my pre-order the day the cd comes out, i go buy the cd in stores, then give my pre-order to a friend (just did it recently with Cartel-Cycles). spread the musical love, especially if it's a lesser-known band, i love getting my friends into new shit. I also buy quite a few re-issues. And have even paid more in shipping costs then the cd is even worth to get special edition japan releases, with cool japanese writing lyric booklet (my receipt said i paid some ridiculous amount of yen too, like 1,500, kinda cool). i just love having the collector type stuff. . . and i get so angry when my friends treat their cds badly. . mine go from case, to player, back to case.
having said all this, i really don't buy that many cds, because i will do the try before buy, but i always just listen to bands music players online or on their website. I generally only am buying cds that I know i will absolutely love. recently, that hasn't been a problem, i haven't had any misses.

sokonfused

10/30/09, 01:42 AM

nope. try my best not to anyways. i like getting the physical copy. it's fun, but sometimes too damn expensive.

IceAge/HeatWave

11/01/09, 09:49 AM

i quit about two years ago.

hurleygurl58

11/01/09, 11:53 AM

i use to but now i buy all mine from itunes or c.d. stores :D

riseagainstfan

11/01/09, 01:19 PM

most of my friends give me shit for still buying CDs i've always just liked it better I rarely download anything and usually dont do it illegally

pennie

11/01/09, 01:38 PM

you guys who don't are missing out,it's free like

Theseventhson

11/01/09, 01:42 PM

ITT: Too many rich kids.

wheresadalia

11/01/09, 01:51 PM

seriously, those of you who never download and buy it all, like how many bands do you listen to? and do you ever go to shows? b/c seriously, if i were to buy every cd i wanted, i would literally have absolutely no money for anything, except maybe food.

SilenceBrokenTT

11/01/09, 01:55 PM

Yes. I recently bought my first album of the year though, Cartel's Cycles. Before that it was WANARTB by Valencia on the pre-order (so, over a year).

Kurt Retenauer

11/02/09, 02:22 PM

I try to buy as many CDs as possible. Which is hard because I'm a university student making minimum wage and CDs are expensive.

This.

I especially go out of my way for smaller/unsigned/favorite bands, though. A lot of times I'll download it first, and then buy the album afterwards, which is what i did with Sherwood Qu.

Kurt Retenauer

11/02/09, 02:24 PM

Yes. I'm surprised to see so many people saying no.

They're liars.

Just kidding.

gr33ndayfr3ak

11/02/09, 02:31 PM

They're liars.

Just kidding.

Your avatar is incredibly attractive.

Kurt Retenauer

11/02/09, 04:18 PM

Your avatar is incredibly attractive.

I know :wave:

olemanblues

11/04/09, 05:09 AM

I have to many friends in the music business, have never and will never STEAL from them---its called ethics and is a morale issue. Two main character issues that are compromised or lost on this "new" society