What Are the Benefits of Online Music Sharing?
Sharing music online is a controversial topic. There is no consensus on the exact effects of this process. The musicians themselves have divided opinions on whether or not online sharing helps or hurts their cause. While many aspects of file-sharing explicitly take away potential profit from an artist, there are a handful of benefits that file-sharing brings about.
Other People Are Reading
-
Increased Exposure
-
Millions of people use the internet, often to search for music. File-sharing allows the music of more obscure artists to reach the ears of new listeners.
Potential Profit
-
Even if the actual music is obtained for free initially, many online listeners eventually purchase music by artists they really enjoy. Thus, online music sharing can ultimately help the artists financially. Furthermore, live concert turnouts are only helped by online sharing.
-
Different Sharing Models
-
While there are many people who download music illegally, there are also many models for partially free listening. This allows listeners to sample the work of an artist and purchase a larger amount later.
Accessibility
-
Online music sharing brings music to avid listeners who do not have access to good record stores. For example, in a rural community that has no support for a diverse music scene, the internet can help fill that void.
New Industry Models
-
Online music sharing forces new ways of thinking about music as a commodity. Musicians can connect directly with fans, bypassing potential distribution and intellectual property complications.
-
