Common Arguments Against Downloading Music For Free (And Why They're Wrong)

During my time on Metal Archives, I made no secret that I download free music because I can't afford to buy physical music. What I got in return was a torrent of mud-slinging about how I'm an evil person for downloading music for free and that I should be ashamed of myself. When they did this, they all made the same arguments. Today, I'm going to show you why these arguments are wrong.

"Downloading music is stealing!"

Copying is not theft. If you steal a candy bar or a car, then you've left someone without something to eat or something to drive. However, if you were to make a copy of an album, then the artist still has his album. You may not be making as much money as you'd like, but you have not suffered actual theft.

"You're entitled!"

This is nothing more than a pointless ad hominem attack that doesn't even try to address the complex economic circumstances that lead people to pirate music.

"You just want free stuff!"

Even though numerous studies have shown that people who pirate the most also buy the most music, so no, it's not true that people who pirate music just want free stuff. If you connect with your fans and give them a reason to buy, then they will buy.

"Why can't you just go without!?"

If you're truly concerned about money, a pirate and a lost customer who "goes without" look exactly the same. Being sanctimonious accomplishes nothing.

"Indie bands are suffering because of you!"

Obscurity is a far bigger problem than piracy. Even if people were buying CDs for ten thousand dollars each, if no one has heard of you, then you're not gonna be making any money. However, if someone pirates your album and they like it, then they'll tell their friends about it, and some of those friends will purchase physical copies of the album.

Those are the five most common arguments against downloading music for free that I've encountered during my time on Metal Archives. Of course, despite being debunked, the users of Metal Archives will continue to use these arguments. They're not very good at adapting to a changing environment. After all, this is the same website that didn't allow digital-only bands until the start of 2013.