As musicians, we face a serious problem. Year after year, we spend thousands of dollars and countless of hours writing, recording, mixing, mastering, and promoting our music. We finally get someone to notice our work. We get our products to retailers and wait for the money to roll in.

This is when the reality hits home. We find out that our fans are copying or downloading our creations for free. For most musicians and music companies, this means that their initial investment, let alone any profits, can’t be recouped or made.

Not a great feeling, is it?

Well, that is exactly the way the music software creators feel about musicians downloading and copying music software for free. Theft of intellectual property has hurt the music content industry and the music software industry – both of which are really two sides of the same coin.

Some say that ‘THEFT” is a harsh word to use in such situations. But imagine if someone walks into a bakery, picks up a loaf of bread and walks out without paying for it. What is that act called? What do you call such a person? I am sure that most musicians would not steal goods when they go shopping. So, why should it be any different when it comes to the software they use to make music with?

Most music professionals agree that it is bad karma to use stolen musical equipments in their studios. Well, it is bad karma to use stolen software too. So the next time you think of downloading or sharing music software, please remember the people that may loose their jobs and their livelihoods as a result of your actions. Do the right thing, “BUY THE SOFTWARE YOU USE”.

by: Paul Fattahi

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