> Pirates did the big labels a favor: small, independent artists can't make a living anymore because everyone just expects it to now be free. This is a point

> Pirates did the big labels a favor: small, independent artists can't make a living anymore because everyone just expects it to now be free. This is a point I hear often, but there seems to be no consensus. If I understand you correctly, are you saying that small, independent artists used to make a living just from CD sales? I've only met in person poor musicians, those that make money either from street concerts or the occasional gig, which were consistent with Courtney Love's position[1] that CD sales are not really important when it comes to revenue. But I'd love to hear an argument from the other side. [1] http://www.salon.com/2000/06/14/love_7/ http://www.salon.com/2000/06/14/love_7/