← Back to context

Comment by thirdsun

7 years ago

> People record music and codify this in a big number (a wav file). Should they be paid every time such a number is put in a particular software?

Are you actually questioning the whole concept of paying for digital goods?

Do you really think you only paid for a jewel case and logistics when you bought your CDs or packaged software back in the 90s? No, you obviously paid for the work that went into the product. And that should still apply, even if you buy the content from Bandcamp's digital shelves. Or the App Store.

> There's an obviously failing business with little to no added value: that of big record companies and rock stars.

The piracy discussion always seems to be limited to big major labels. I agree that we don't need more of those, but they are really just the surface of the industry. There are countless small and niche labels that do honest and important work, acting as curator, supporting their artists and gathering a significant and loyal following among avid listeners.