Interesting debate...

IX has a point though. You aren't losing revenue if the person was never going to buy the product to begin with.

The whole revenue loss due to piracy really isn't calculable. You can stick a number on it but it will never be an accurate representation of what's really going on.

You also have to realize that there are many motives behind piracy. One motive is just because it's easy. Recently Louis CK released a special that he made a produced himself and sold on his website for $5. I pirated it. Not because I didn't want to pay the $5 of because I felt entitled to have it for free, but because it was easy. I came across a download for it while I was in my normal routine. I downloaded it, watched it, and deleted it. Do I feel bad? A little. Am I going to lose any sleep over it? No. Louis still made a ****load of money and he will continue to make money because he is a great performer.

I think the big problem is the fact that pretty much all modern mainstream media is controlled by these big companies that must get money and see a return on their investment when it comes to creating and selling media.

From and artist standpoint, if I was making music and I saw people going crazy to get my stuff, whether it be by buying for it or downloading for free, I would just be stoked that they like my stuff. If I really want to make money, I'll do a live show. IMO, live performances should be where artists make their money, not record sales. Anyone can be good in a studio, it takes skill and talent to be good on stage and that's what needs to be rewarded.


And a funny chart that I found...

 

If you can navigate i-club you can pirate.....hence pirating continues! Argh.