Flexibility and Convenience

Here is an example of how deeply file sharing has penetrated into society, and a pretty good indication that it isn’t just about money. Consider the words of Canadian quarterback Jesse Palmer, interviewed by the Toronto Star:

Q If you want to chill out, what music are you going to put on?

A I like Seal, believe it or not. I like U2 and I like Seal. I just kind of burned myself a CD of Seal stuff. I love it. I’ve been listening to it the last little while.

Q Burned yourself a CD? What NFL salaries won’t cover that?

A (laughs) It’s more convenient to come home and check it out on the Internet. Now that I’ve said that, I’m sure I’ll get checked. (laughs) I’ll probably get arrested.

Why does he do it? Convenience and flexibility: he said “Seal stuff,” not a Seal album. Listen and take heed: people want access to all music without copying restrictions from the convenience of their computers. Make it easy, convenient, flexible and fun, and they will pay.

Please remember: in aggregate, people are going to do what they want to do, and you can either go with the flow and make money from it, or you can fight it and be lost in the tsunami.