I read an article today about a blog post written by Jeff Vogel, a successful game developer, who says “Sometimes It’s OK To Steal My Games”. He has some interesting points, and I think they apply to music as well.

“Someone who is facing long-term unemployment and bankruptcy probably should not pay for my game. And, in that case, if stealing my game gives them a temporary reprieve from their misery, I’m cool with that. I’m happy to help,” he writes.

This is an interesting point, and I think it applies equally as well to music. There are some people in the world who, for whatever macroenomic reasons, are unable to afford my music. If my music (purchased or not) can instill emotion in those people, then I have succeeded as an artist.

However, Jeff’s conclusion is that people should at least consider paying if they can. “If you like PC games but you usually pirate them, I want you to start actually paying for one game a year. Just one. Please. You should do it because you need to do it to help something you like to continue to exist.”