Music makes the people come together...

For all of my friends who play piano, you have to check out this site: http://www.pianofiles.com/.
I stumbled upon this site when searching for some Natalie Merchant music online. I have had to resort to finding music online because of the complete and absolute tyranny that is the sheet music business. Most music stores will not allow customers to sample music in order to prevent people from copying it and returning it - which seems to make sense. However, what ends up happening to the end user, the customer, is that every music purchase is in it's own way a leap of faith. I have pretty decent sight reading abilities because I have had 15 years of conservatory music instruction and I am still constantly disappointed. Either the melody line isn't written in the music (meaning that it is true accompaniment music), or it is and you don't want that, or the music is too easy, or not in the key you want (which can be transposed but again, you need a fairly in depth understanding of music theory to do that). I have purchased music books looking for a single song for upwards of 50$, only to find out it wasn't what I wanted. And, of course, you can't return it.
The internet has been somewhat better in that you can search individual titles, as opposed to artists, and purchase a single song. The downside of this is that you don't even get to see the music, so you really have no idea what you are buying. I recently purchased a couple of songs from the Pride & Prejudice soundtrack that ended up being pretty, but far too easy. Luckily, they only set me back about 14$ each.
Pianofiles is a site that allows users to share music in pdf files. The music isn't available online for download for obvious copyright reasons, but members can arrange privately to send music to each other via email. FOR FREE. I have met pianists from all over the world, and I share music I have whenever I can. We can also share opinions, comments and suggestions. I usually receive music that I am looking for in about a week, which is comparable to internet purchasing.
Do I feel badly about the copyright issues? Hell no. I feel the same way about it as I do about downloading electronic music files. If artists find that they can't compete because people are sharing their music, they need to change the way they do business. Or go home. It's really that simple. I purchased the new Killers CD because I really liked them as a band and want to make sure that I am supporting them financially. What reward did I get for my purchase? Eight watered-down songs in addition to their single - which is the only decent song on the whole CD - and 4 photos of the band that my kid could have taken. I thought to myself: what is preventing me from downloading your music? As a customer, the product is shoddy. Whereas my new Rise Against CD was a treasure-trove of discovery. The artwork on the jacket is incredible. There is a small bio on all of the band members (the Killers CD didn't even have their names in it), recommended reading and recommended sites to visit. 50 Cent includes a DVD in his CD with a music video on it. Gwen Steffani's solo CD has passwords for her website so that fans can see exclusive interviews, concert footage, and pictures. Now people, that is thinking. I will buy her CD because she is delivering value. I have brand loyalty just as much as the next guy - I always buy Canadian artists to support our undervalued music industry - but dammit you have to earn it. Marilyn Manson once said in an interview that file sharing has allowed him to access customers he may not have had previously because they can sample the music, decide if they like it, and then purchase it. For artists who don't get radio play, file sharing is essential.
Downloading free music isn't easy or convenient. Anyone who has tried to load a free song into itunes can tell you this. File sharing of sheet music is also not convenient - you have to rely upon the mercy of a stranger in the same predicament to scan and send their music to you. I think the fact that file sharing exists is a consumer response to markets that are not meeting their customer's needs. Hell, sometimes I think they aren't even trying. Wanna know how Britney Spears makes her money? Ringtones. 1$ per ringtone adds up pretty quick... Whatever anyone wants to say about the quality of her music, she is selling.
I was recently treated to a soapbox argument about the issue of file sharing in our country and all I could think was: where else in business can a company bemoan their lack of sales by blaming the customer and then actually try to take legal action against the very people who they hope to purchase their product?

I guess those who cannot do - preach.