4 ms·
> Obscurity is a far greater threat to authors and creative artists than piracy. This instantly conjured memories of my teenage self, distributing my own music
by eyelidlessness 5y ago
> Obscurity is a far greater threat to authors and creative artists than piracy.
This instantly conjured memories of my teenage self, distributing my own music on Napster and various similar “piracy” apps. I’d add references in the file names to artists who inspired me, to try to show up in searches (I always made this clear, never tried to deceive). It actually generated some interest! For several years I’d get the occasional contact from someone who found my music that way and wanted to reach out to tell me they liked it.
I haven’t recorded much for years, and there are some services that allow for discoverability like that without such a “hack”. But if I were serious about trying to get an audience today I almost certainly would make use of current “piracy” tools as part of that strategy again.
- eyelidlessness 5y agoI suppose it’s also worth mentioning the old irony that Metallica—prominent in the campaign to take down Napster—themselves gained a substantial portion of their early audience from the [mix]tape trading community. What a shame they lost sight of that.
- wintermutestwin 5y agoThanks for reminding us all of that irony. I was one of those tape traders and I will forever regret being even a tiny bit responsible for Lars' fame.
- eyelidlessness 5y agoOn a 1-10 scale of crappy actions by artists I used to respect, it’s about a 3 for me (+/- 1 given how I feel at the moment). If anything it makes me want to download their stuff even though I haven’t had any interest in their last several releases. Just out of idle lazy spite.
- platz 5y ago> Obscurity is a far greater threat to authors and creative artists than piracy. Whether or not piracy is in the best interest, produce better outcomes, or higher profits in the long run, of authors and creative artists is irrelevant if it's against their wishes. Ultimately, it's their choice even if it hurts them (also supposedly according to your metric, not theirs, of harm).
- eyelidlessness 5y agoI mean. It’s relevant. It’s not an inherent justification, but it’s still an important and valid part of the discussion. And being treated as such may sway people to reconsider those wishes. In much the same way some “pay what you want” releases led to many creators reconsidering their approach.