Sorry for going WAY off-topic. I'll let you guys have your say and drop this. Maybe I'll make an off-topic thread! :D

There's a difference from what I'm talking about and crappy demo tapes from horrible bands. :)

Just because something is free doesn't mean it's valueless. What about Star Wars Revisited? That's free. ;) (yeah yeah, I know it's based on something that's not). What about the articles Zombie posts on his web page? Surely those aren't worthless.

How can you say the quality of free music isn't good if you haven't even bothered to listen? Some of it depends on the style of music you like. You're not going to find these huge overblown productions like in some popular music, but what you've done is essentially call my music worthless (without even hearing it) because I don't make people buy it. I don't shove these albums in peoples faces at my shows. If they want them, they're free to take them. I've spent thousands of dollars on software and equipment, so I'm not some guy playing a guitar into his computer mic or anything ;) (I'm not trying to say my music is good, that's up to the listener, I'm trying to say that professional sounding music is completely doable from your home in these modern times).

So should I sell my music and then encourage people to pirate it? Would that make it seem valuable? :D

I was just trying to give you guys a view of the pirating situation from a musicians eye. If you have a minute to kill, watch this video and tell me this music is worthless (vocals start after a little bit): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_728Osa1RA

This album is available for free, and no it's not mine. ;) Can you honestly tell me that doesn't have the same artistic merit and sound quality as a commercial release?

Sorry for ranting, but I wasn't expecting so much pessimism. My Liberal use of smileys is to let you know I'm not raving mad or anything!

*flashes peace sign*