Because whether various people think they are being paid as much as they should, and how much is actually being produced, are different things. If you are aski

Because whether various people think they are being paid as much as they should, and how much is actually being produced, are different things. If you are asking for special provisions from the public, prove the public gets a good deal. How much should the public give? Simply as much as you say? No, that does not work. The public cares about the end result: how much is produced (and available). That is the point. There has been significant -- or to some, rampant -- 'piracy', and huge 'losses', for a decade: that is what we have been told. But where is the devestation to the amount of production? Where is the terrible shortage of new music being made? That does not seem to be happening. > everyone will soon be, in general, short of music So, you admit it has not happened, and is not currently happening. You will forgive people for being cautious about claims from the general direction of the music industry, and instead expecting good evidence. Everyone likes music, but we should not be giving away money simply because someone else says they should get it.