Freeloading

how our insatiable appetite for free content starves creativity
Chris Ruen

'[The] fact that content can so easily be looted doesn't justify doing so ... If you value art you have to support those who make it.'

Fiona Capp, Sydney Morning Herald

'A deeply moral and passionate book'

The Sunday Age

View all reviews

'Taking a rare and refreshingly unbiased look at the phenomenon of internet piracy, [Freeloading] is that rarest of discursive entities; a call for more conversation, both balanced and passionate ... it manages to present the pros and cons of all sides of the argument ... without the hyperbole that typically surrounds the subject.'

Tony McMahon, InPress Magazine

Internet piracy: it’s an eternal battle pitting indies versus corporations, free spirits against the moneygrubbing Scrooge McDucks of the world.

Right?

Sort of, sometimes — maybe not. Freeloading takes a critical, cool look at a near-pervasive phenomenon that involves almost everyone who taps a keyboard. Beyond that, it’s a reminder of the truism that for every action there are consequences. What happens when we pirate a favourite work of art — a song, book, or movie? And as importantly: what, if anything, can or should be done about it?

Author Chris Ruen, himself a former dedicated freeloader, came to understand how illegal downloads can threaten an entire artistic community after he spent time with successful Brooklyn bands who had yet to make a significant profit on their popular music. Through original research and extensive interviews with musicians and artists, Freeloading not only dissects this ongoing battle but also proposes concise, practical solutions that provide protection to artists and consumers alike.

'[The] fact that content can so easily be looted doesn't justify doing so ... If you value art you have to support those who make it.'

Fiona Capp, Sydney Morning Herald

'A deeply moral and passionate book'

The Sunday Age

View all reviews

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Details

Format:Paperback

Size: 210mm × 135mm

Extent:272pp

ISBN (13):9781921844294

RRP:£12.99

Pub date:3 Jul 2014

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth

High-res cover:Download Image

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Chris Ruen

Chris Ruen, a Brooklyn-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and Slate, is a former contributing editor for Cool’eh magazine. He has covered music culture for Tiny Mix Tapes, a Minneapolis based online music magazine.

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Freeloading

how our insatiable appetite for free content starves creativity
Chris Ruen

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how our insatiable appetite for free content starves creativity Chris Ruen

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how our insatiable appetite for free content starves creativity
Chris Ruen