We've talked about
what makes legal download sites different than file
sharing sites. We've also
discussed that on legal music download sites part of your
fee for the song goes to the
artists, just as it would if you
bough the CD in a store. But what
happens when you pay a fee to be
part of a file sharing network? The answer to this
question is quite simple. 100% of
it goes into the pocket of the
site owner, with a portion
perhaps going to an affiliate
promoting it. Bottom line,
absolutely nothing goes to record
company or artist.
So how do you know
if you've found a legal music download
site? Well, there are
clues in the fee you pay. No
legal music site asks for a one
time fee in exchange for
unlimited downloads. (File
sharing programs also offer
annual fees for unlimited music
downloading, but not legal
sites). On a legal music site you
will either pay from .79 to .99
cents per song, or you will pay a
monthly subscription to download
music.
Another sign that
you are on a legal music site is
if you see the site offers a free
trial. I have never seen a file
sharing system offer a free
trial. They only want your money
up front. For example, eMusic.com offers 50 free mp3 downloads during your free
trial, but if you read the fine
print there is a monthly fee to
continue on the site. Buy.com on the other hand
allows you to download and pay
for each individual song.
Also, look for
restrictions in the terms of
agreement. For example, legal music sites only have
agreements in certain countries
based on their contracts with
record companies representing
each artist.
If in doubt about
whether you've found a legal
music site, bookmark our site or
sign up for our newsletter. We guarantee our
site only features links and
reviews of legal music sites.
Click here to see
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