Free music download sites: A Crisis in The Making?
Are free music download sites a crisis in the making? There is no doubt that the internet has transformed the way in which we experience music. Among the advantages are the ease of access, and increase in choice. Added to that, users are able to connect with others via online communities and social networking services like YouTube and Facebook.
Nonetheless, while the internet represents a fantastic range of opportunities for artists and music producers alike, there are drawbacks. One particular aspect is that of file-sharing.
Although file-sharing facilitates the distribution of music, the problem arises with illegal file-sharing and downloads, which has become a problem particularly among the youth.
Illegal Song Swap
According to the BBC article “Young Prefer Illegal Song Swap”, “the music industry could be facing a crisis because of the number of young people still illegally downloading from the internet.” It was also stated within the article that “illegal networks are used three times as much as legal ones” to access and download music.
Some of you might be saying “So what?”
Well, put yourself in the position of the person who took the time to create that music you so freely enjoy. Quite a bit of effort when into creating that song that you love and while you just share it all willy nilly with your friends, what benefit is the artist reaping from your activities?
Absolutely none!
Now if you were that artist, wouldn’t you want to reap some rewards from your hard work? Of course you would. You’re not putting your stuff out there for free. So while individuals are trying to make a living by creating music that we love, they are being robbed of that opportunity when others are involved in illegal downloads and file-sharing.
Free Music Download Sites
Sites that offer free downloads of music, should have permission from the artist to do so. It is a violation of copyright law to do otherwise. When you think about it, it’s tantamount to stealing really. Taking someone else’s property and offering it to someone else as if you own it.
Added to that, some people are brazen and bold enough to engage in selling the music they have acquired free of charge.
Here are two startling facts outlined by the BBC article:
- “Only 5% of all internet consumers pay to download music while 15% share the music without paying.” Basically, for every one (1) person that pays for the music, three (3) people share it without paying for it. In other words, if 50 people pay for the music, 150 people download and share without paying. When you do the math, you get an idea of what’s being lost by the artists.
- Even though there is a “solid demand for paid music downloads from sites such as iTunes,” 34% of individuals between the age group 15-24, “admitted to sharing music online without paying for it.”
Okay, what’s the problem here?
Free consumption Consumers
Apart from doing the wrong thing, there is the problem that if this is habitual behavior, it is definitely going to be a challenge to transition these “consumers” who are steeped in free consumption to consumers who buy. The question is, would these free consumers become music buyers in the future and if not then who suffers in the long run? The music industry!
So let’s try and prevent this crisis and develop better habits when it come to accessing the music we love. Support the artists and their efforts and support the music industry so that they can play on. Get your free music downloads legally!