I'm on an email list for a band and sharing CDs and DVDs is commonplace. What usually happens is someone announces they will mail the recording to the first 3 people who respond. The only catch being that the 3 recipients must then also provide the same service for others. It's a nice trickle-down pyramid scheme, if you will. (And yes, this is seen on sharingthegroove a lot.)

This week someone announced they had a DVD of a solo performance from one of the band members. I was one of the 3 to respond first, so I now await this material that I otherwise probably would have never had a chance to see. This is a great system. The costs to you are 3 (or 2, or whatever you choose) CDs/DVDs, and mailing. Probably around $10-$12 total. Doesn't that seem like a reasonable way to do it? There is a bit of an honor system but unless you are a complete cheapskate it should work fine.

As for torrents... I'm not an expert, but I believe that unless the tracker is running, having the torrent file is useless. I have torrents to SW and ESB, both partly downloaded, but since the torrent source is not around, they have nothing to seek. Maybe someone can correct me on the details.