Whoa. When Napster was around, I used it to collect a lot of classical music--much of it "out of print". I also obtained "golden oldies" which I could not obtain otherwise, such as a complete set of the songs of the original folk group "The Seekers".
Another example. There is a Peruvian music group called Inti-Illimani. I own all their CDs. ALL of their albums were available on CD and Napster except one. This was a vinyl pressing of a soundtrack they did for the BBC. I contacted their agents and found that the soundtrack would never be released on CD, nor had the copyright been extended. I transferred my vinyl copies to digital form...and for a brief time my share drive was one of the most popular on Napster--as other Inti-Illimani fans discovered the "impossible-to-obtain" tracks were available...from me.
ON THE OTHER HAND, there is a brilliant musician who is a virtuoso on the dulcimer. His name is Jim Fhyre. After years of searching, I located him because I wanted to buy his wonderful album "Dulcimer Fusion" on CD. All of his other albums were available on CD, but he had lost the master tape for DF, which is why it was not available.
I pestered him for about two years to try to find the tape. He finally found it and produced the CD. I bought four copies and he sent me an extra gratis. HIS music does not appear on my share drive. I feel it would be very unfair to him, especially given my pressure and his eventual success in satisfying me (and lots of others).
In fact, I suggested to him that he consider placing some of his tracks on MP3.COM as a way of attracting new listeners...to my knowledge he has not done so.
Look for "Plectrum Records" in Laguna Beach CA. I have his last known email as "jfdulcimer@aol.com". Mention me if you ask for info or place an order. My "real" name is Jim Glass.
--Boris (oops, I guess I blew my cover!)
If you feel that way about what Clear Channel is passing off as music, then where do you stand on internet radio and what the RIAA has done in the name of "helping the artists?" (not a slam - just curious)