Reply #51: Who said I stole anything?

[Meldread]

As I said, I don't normally listen to corporate made music. There are a few exceptions, most are rare, one of them is Lady Gaga. I purchase her music because I want to support her talents, and the only reason I got turned onto her in the first place were her music videos which I could watch for free online. Most of the artists I listen to are independent without any big music deals. Most also happen to be gay, or at the very least LGBT friendly (I try and use my funds to support my community). I learn about them online, and those that don't give their music away for free at the very least have a good selection of music to sample from... (I gave an example in Jay Brannan.) I then purchase music from them because I want to SUPPORT their talent. I view it more as a donation, really, to be honest. I love what they do, and as a result I am happy to pay for it. I also know that the money by-and-large goes directly to them, and not some middleman who basically exists to prey upon their talent and make money off of it... I would compare the recording industry to parasites.