I Won't Trade, Don't Ask Me

No sooner did I receive my CD of the current revival of A Little Night Music than I also received a request from someone to share the MP3 files. The request was from someone on a site for cast-recording collectors. He sent a link with all of the titles in his collection, offering to make a trade.

I have no intention of even replying to the email, but it did put me in mind of a conversation I had recently with a fellow blogger about how PS Classics, the company that released the A Little Night Music CD, is perilously close to going out of business. And that's because people like my fellow OCR aficionado aren't willing to actually pay for the music that they listen to.

So I dug through my blog archives for this post, which makes my position on file-sharing quite clear. Let me me painfully blunt: file-sharing is selfish, stupid, and short-sighted. And it's stealing. If we're not willing to buy cast albums, then there won't be any to buy. If you download commercially available cast recordings that you haven't paid for, then you're no friend of mine. I don't even want you reading this blog. Go listen to your stolen music. But just remember that you're putting small, struggling companies out of business, and that you're jeopardizing the very future of cast recordings themselves.

So be forewarned, my friends: I won't trade. Don't ask me.

Comments

[Jeff]

Totally agree! People don't realize that if we don't buy them, they'll stop making them all together.

And then no one wins!

[Jeffy]

Being an evil sneaky music stealer I want to defend myself from my supposed jeopardizing of the future of cast recordings. I understand that some people get rather obsessed with collecting cast recordings. I am not one of them. I have about a dozen or so albums. I usually only have recordings of the shows I have watched and some random others that I simply enjoy listening to. Most of these I have bought with my hard earned money. But a few, I say a few, I dared to copy from friends. *run for cover*
I know that the music industry, and especially a small segment of it like cast recordings niche can't survive without my paying for material. And in general I am more that happy to buy an album I really want. I own [title of show] cause I saw it and I liked it. I own Alter Boyz cause I saw it and I liked it. I own Avenue Q cause I saw it and I liked it. I bought all these albums and never batted an eye because I felt the recording was worth paying for. It was something I would enjoy in the future and value having for both the sentimental happiness I would get from hearing the music from a show I once attended and the sheer fun of listening to a musical soundtrack. But I have copies of shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray, Phantom and Miss Saigon. I would never pay to have those albums. I don't want them bad enough to part with my money. I could live without ever hearing them in my playlists. However when the opportunity arrived that I could listen to them for free I took it and I haven't looked back because I know I'm not reducing the amount of money that company would have received. They would have never got my cash anyway. I have listened to them occasionally, usually when they crop up on shuffle. But if I had to delete them tomorrow I wouldn't cry about it. They're just nice to have around, if perhaps some stranger came up to me and said "You there! Play me Prima Dona or I'll stomp a bunny rabbit!" I know that I can, just in case of emergencies.
In short I pay for what shows I know I'd want. I'm not hurting the ones I don't like by having their music illegally any more than I'm hurting them by not wanting to purchase their music in the first place. So I'd pay for a copy of A Little Night Music, in fact I already have. And before you go judging us snarky internet bamboozlers and thieves out to destroy the music industry, stop and remind yourself that not all thieving is the same, and not all thieving is hurting the industry or will lead to the downfall of musical theater as we know it. My money is my good opinion.
I hope this means we can still be friends ;) and I sincerely hope I can still read this blog--I rather enjoy it. And if it came down to it, I might even pay for it.

[ccaggiano]

Geez, dude, dial 1-800-JUSTIFY.

I *am* judging and you *are* hurting these companies. You can rationalize it all you want, but the fact remains that downloading music you didn't pay for is stealing.

And yes, not all stealing is the same. Some of it is easier to accomplish. But it's still wrong.

[Jay]

I have a friend who constantly tells me "I have such and such recording, do you want it?" I know he's getting these off file-sharing lists and as much as I tell him not to steal music, he still does it, and still asks me if I want them. I polietly decline or ignore the emails.

Now, if my partner buys the album off his iTunes and wants to share it with me, yes, I'll take it -- afterall, we share a joint bank account, live together and Apple allows to share the files with a certain number of people.

But I have two questions.

#1: In the post you linked to you said: "I've been on these sites myself, and I've downloaded stuff, but only things that weren't commercially available, like demos and stuff that's been long out of print."

I do that too -- especially with the demos. But, when a show that's been long out of print becomes commerically available, will you delete the files you've downloaded and purchase the album yourself?

#2: What are your feelings towards purchasing cast albums through eBay, or garage sales/flea markets? These used items are cheaper than you can get on Amazon.com and most often are just as good. Yet, the money doesn't go to the record labels, but to the seller directly - who may or may not have already downloaded the music onto their computer. Seems like that's hurting the record companies too, but is legit.

[ccaggiano]

Jay,

Two excellent questions.

#1 - Absolutely. I *always* buy the CD once it comes out. Always. No exceptions. I guess that's part of my pathology: I need to have the actual CD in my possession. I don't trust hard drives and iTunes. I've lost too much stuff that way.

#2 - I've bought many albums from eBay, as well as used from iTunes. I see it as no different from buying anything else that's been used, like a car or a musical instrument. Yes, the company doesn't get the money, but at least they got the money in the first place.

Now, someone might say, "Well, how is that any different from buying a CD, burning to your hard drive, and then selling the CD." Well, because you can't make infinite copies of a car or a musical instrument. So, I guess, by buying used recordings, I'm inadvertently contributing to the problem. But at least I'm paying for the privilege.

[Drew J.]

I downloaded it from itunes toady and I was wondering why it was $19.99. Usually that is just for the 2-disc albums. I'd bet that it is due the fact that PS Classics is suffering economically. It's sad.

[Geoff]

Chris,

I've got your same pathology because I'm of an age where I bought piles of cast albums on vinyl (as Man in Chair would say "Yes, records!) and then had to replace them all when the CD revolution occurred. Yes, I still have all my old vinyl. I've actually framed many of these old cast albums because the artwork is so nice.

I'm also pathologic enough to buy an updated CD of a show I've already got if it's got some nifty bonus tracks, improved sound, or even better liner notes. I think the only time I was ever tempted to file share on a recording that was commercially available was the recent "West Side Story" revival where you had to buy multiple complete copies of the recording to get all the various tracks (English and Spanish). I gritted my teeth and forked over the dough, but oooh was I tempted.

If Jeffy only listens to shows he has actually seen, wow is he ever missing out.

[ccaggiano]

Drew, A Little Night Music *is* a 2-disc album, one for each act. It includes the full score, and quite a bit of dialog. So the price isn't related to the fortunes (or lack thereof) of PS Classics.

[Justin]

I've never commented before but I have read your blog for many months now and enjoyed it tremendously. Unfortunately, as you have said you no longer want me reading it, I will remove you from my RSS feed, as per your request.

Know, however, that I just plopped down the 20 bucks to buy this cast recording on iTunes, right before I came over and saw your blog entry. I would never in a million years have done that if I hadn't gotten the original Little Night Music cast recording files sent to me by a friend years ago. I would never have heard of the show, I would never have developed an intense passion for Sondheim musicals, and PS Classics would have far less of my money now than it would have had I never pirated a CD in my life. Does that make it legal? Perhaps not. But PS Classics is unquestionably better off for my having occasionally downloaded one of their CDs without paying for it.

Love of musicals is not something that's taught in our mainstream popular culture. You have to learn it. And when you grow up in a small town where the only musical anyone's ever heard of is Grease, and if you were lucky, you could find a West Side Story movie soundtrack on the shelves at the record store but that's it...how do you learn about them? The internet. I refuse to apologize for having downloaded cast recordings because downloading cast recordings is what made me a fan of musicals and it's what has led me to dump LOTS of my money down the drain, not just with the legitimate CD purchases I have made but also in actually going out and seeing shows.

I await the day short-sighted opinions about the way people use new technology fade away and are replaced by true solutions to help those in changing industries, like the recording industry, adapt to the modern era. I can think of 3-4 things off the top of my head PS Classics could be doing to help their bottom line in the 21st century but I suppose my voice probably won't be valued because I'm one of the "enemies."

I love your blog, and I hope to come back and read it again some day if you ever change your mind and welcome "selfish, stupid, and short-sighted" people with differing opinions on the topic back into the fold.

[Drew J.]

lol...yeah I quickly realized it was two disc after I listened to it. The way it was organized in itunes it was slightly misleading. I have the original Broadway cast recording too and after listening to this recording, I prefer the new recording to the original. It has just the right amount of dialogue and the performances are great. I was very impressed with the orchestrations for the chamber style orchestra as well.

[Jeffy]

I know I'm just a random internet commenter but please, explain. I really am curious. In all seriousness. How am I hurting those companies (monetarily or otherwise) who produce a CD that I never had or will have any intention of buying?
The Situation:
I don't buy Wicked Soundtrack.
Decca Broadway gets $0 from me
A friend uploads it into my iTunes.
Decca Broadway gets $0 from me

The physical CD was purchased by a person who thought it worthy to buy. While my friend's generosity means that I have an electronic copy floating around my hardrive, it doesn't mean that Decca Broadway lost out on any money. I never would've bought it in the first place. How is this hurting the company? You could still argue that it's wrong on a moral basis. (i.e. all stealing is bad) but to say it's wrong because I'm hurting someone I feel is unfair. I'd really like to know. :)

[Justin]

I tried posting this comment earlier but it didn't seem to work - apologize if I'm repeating myself.

As per your request, I'm removing you from my RSS feed. You said you don't want people who ever download cast recordings reading your blog, so I'll stop reading it.

I would like you to know, before I do, however, that I just plopped down $20 on iTunes before reading this on this new Little Night Music Cast Recording. And I never would have done that if a few years ago, a friend hadn't sent me the MP3s for the original Little Night Music cast recording. I wouldn't have fallen in love with the show, with Sondheim, with musicals in general if it weren't for being exposed to them through file sharing. So PS Classics indisputably has far more of my money now, through my legitimate purchases, than it would have had I never downloaded their stuff "illicitly." I just never would have bought any of them had I not been exposed to them through file sharing. Especially in the small town I grew up in (before iTunes came along and made downloads legal) where you were lucky if you could find a movie soundtrack of West Side Story at the local record store, much less anything else.

Not to mention the incredibly amount of money I've spent on seeing shows that I've discovered through file sharing.

All entertainment companies, PS Classics included, needs to change with the times. I can think of 3 or 4 things they can do right now to help their bottom line, but I doubt my voice would be valued because I'm "stupid, selfish, and short-sighted."

I really, really enjoy your blog and I'll be sad to remove it from my list. I hope you decide to welcome back people who disagree with you on this point, but until then, I will respect your wishes and no longer read your blog.

[Justin O'Neill]

I tried posting this comment earlier but it didn't seem to work - apologize if I'm repeating myself.

As per your request, I'm removing you from my RSS feed. You said you don't want people who ever download cast recordings reading your blog, so I'll stop reading it.

I would like you to know, before I do, however, that I just plopped down $20 on iTunes before reading this on this new Little Night Music Cast Recording. And I never would have done that if a few years ago, a friend hadn't sent me the MP3s for the original Little Night Music cast recording. I wouldn't have fallen in love with the show, with Sondheim, with musicals in general if it weren't for being exposed to them through file sharing. So PS Classics indisputably has far more of my money now, through my legitimate purchases, than it would have had I never downloaded their stuff "illicitly." I just never would have bought any of them had I not been exposed to them through file sharing. Especially in the small town I grew up in (before iTunes came along and made downloads legal) where you were lucky if you could find a movie soundtrack of West Side Story at the local record store, much less anything else.

Not to mention the incredibly amount of money I've spent on seeing shows that I've discovered through file sharing.

All entertainment companies, PS Classics included, needs to change with the times. I can think of 3 or 4 things they can do right now to help their bottom line, but I doubt my voice would be valued because I'm "stupid, selfish, and short-sighted."

I really, really enjoy your blog and I'll be sad to remove it from my list. I hope you decide to welcome back people who disagree with you on this point, but until then, I will respect your wishes and no longer read your blog.

[Justin]

I tried posting this comment earlier but it didn't seem to work - apologize if I'm repeating myself.

As per your request, I'm removing you from my RSS feed. You said you don't want people who ever download cast recordings reading your blog, so I'll stop reading it.

I would like you to know, before I do, however, that I just plopped down $20 on iTunes before reading this on this new Little Night Music Cast Recording. And I never would have done that if a few years ago, a friend hadn't sent me the MP3s for the original Little Night Music cast recording. I wouldn't have fallen in love with the show, with Sondheim, with musicals in general if it weren't for being exposed to them through file sharing. So PS Classics indisputably has far more of my money now, through my legitimate purchases, than it would have had I never downloaded their stuff "illicitly." I just never would have bought any of them had I not been exposed to them through file sharing. Especially in the small town I grew up in (before iTunes came along and made downloads legal) where you were lucky if you could find a movie soundtrack of West Side Story at the local record store, much less anything else.

Not to mention the incredibly amount of money I've spent on seeing shows that I've discovered through file sharing.

All entertainment companies, PS Classics included, needs to change with the times. I can think of 3 or 4 things they can do right now to help their bottom line, but I doubt my voice would be valued because I'm "stupid, selfish, and short-sighted."

I really, really enjoy your blog and I'll be sad to remove it from my list. I hope you decide to welcome back people who disagree with you on this point, but until then, I will respect your wishes and no longer read your blog.

[Laura]

I agree 100% with what you say on trading cast recordings, though can I ask what your opinion is on video trading?

[Laura]

I agree 100% with what you say on trading cast recordings, though can I ask what your opinion is on video trading?

[Encore Entertainment]

Chris, I totally see your point of view, heck I even agree with it. I live in Guyana though and there are *no* stores here that sell theatre albums. Ordering it on line would cost me four times the actual amount of the album which is a bit much to pay for nonworking student.

I understand your argument though, it's unfortunate about PS.

And I know Jeffy just asked a question similar, if a friend actually buys an album and you too share it with each other (you didn't pay anything) and a friend actually shares the file with you (and you don't share it in turn with someone else) - how is either situation worse (or better) than the other?

[ccaggiano]

Laura,

I think videos are, for the most part, another story. Yes, they're illegal. But, yes, I've traded and purchased certain videos in my time. But I *only* seek out videos for shows that are closed and that I didn't have a chance to see, or that I already saw and want to savor. I have never, and will never, purchase a video *instead* of seeing a show.

My general rule: if it's available commercially, I buy it. If it's not, yes, I will seek it out through...er...alternate means.

[ccaggiano]

Dude, you're like the exception that proves the rule. Honestly, if I were you, I'd download illegally, if in small and measured quantities. I suppose that makes me a hypocrite. But if I were in a different part of the world, and needed my showtune fix, I'm sure I'd indulge.

As for sharing files with friends, I don't. My friends buy their music. And when my students ask for copies of CDs, I generally refuse unless the CD is out of print. File-sharing, even among friends, is a slippery slope.

[Tait Moline]

Craig,

I know you're on a blogging vacation, but when I read this email exchange between Jason Robert Brown and an anonymous teenager, it made me think of your post on the subject. Thought I'd bring it to your attention if you hadn't already seen it:

http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/weblog/2010/06/fighting_with_teenagers_a_copy.php#more

[ccaggiano]

Tait: Thanks for the link. It's pretty fascinating to see JRB go through all that trouble, and people still don't believe that it's him.

Regards,

Chris

[John]

... And yet, you have the libretto for Forever Plaid on your site, free for anyone to download. This is a licensed script from MTI, and it has also been purchasable at Drama Book Shop. How do you defend that? (I am a Broadway music professional in NYC)

[ccaggiano]

John, I'm not sure what you're talking about. I don't recall ever making any script, any licencsed script, available for "anyone to download." What part of my blog are you referring to?