Paul - food for thought...

Maybe when you produce something of value to you, then somebody takes it without asking, without paying... maybe you won't hink "Cool! Free whatever!" anymore.

I don't know what the answer is. All I know is that the ability to rationalize the action of stealing (and it IS stealing) a product by demonizing the record-industry, or by bemoaning that it's out-of-circulation, or that the richer artists won't miss it, or that you can't prevent the technology... that ability doesn't make it less than stealing. When you enjoy the benefit of having a 'product' without giving up what is due to have it, you're stealing.

I applaud you folk who turn around and buy CD's that you've tried before hand. But you're naive if you think you're the rule.

Maybe the industry bigwigs can't stop it... then what? Again, you're naive if you think they won't get their money. They still have to pay the top dollar for the big names. They'll maintain their profit margin by charging more for the products that they CAN guarantee a return on - including live performances.

Humbly, Mark C