Read this. As in click the link to an article I’m linking to, right here.

Look, I have downloaded music from Limewire, a long time ago. I didn’t know better. I was a douchebag. I’ve since deleted those songs AND nine times out of ten, purchased them again from legitimate sources because I want to support the artist. I don’t do it any more. It’s beyond wrong and illegal, it’s douchebaggery of the highest type of fuckery.

I have never downloaded a free movie or a book, and I never will. That’s wrong, too.

And if you’re doing it — what you’re doing is wrong. It’s stealing. And if you keep doing it, eventually (and not so eventually, but soon) the artists and authors you “love” so much won’t be able to afford to create the content you love so much you have to steal.

I don’t come into your house and take your laptop just because I like it and can’t afford it. Don’t steal my books. Or music. Or movies. Don’t steal.

You’re not entitled to it just because you love it.

M

ETA: I just lied. I have downloaded free movies and music and books recently — from legitimate sources giving them away with the permission of the copyright holder. Christopher Dallman’s giving away free songs right now. Amazon.com has free reads for the Kindle. iTunes has several free selections every Tuesday. You can find free stuff. Just don’t steal it.