I’ve had several teachers tell me that cliches should never be used in writing. I guess I’ve learned to accept the idea. They can convey an idea or concept that is too easily tied to a time or a situation. For example, approach some one wearing an iPod and ask them, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?”
I’ll bet you will get some strange looks in return. I’ll also bet, that if you could continue the conversation with the iPod owner, that the saying applies to him. The technological age has created an underground market for music, movies, books, programs and everything else that can be put on a computer. The sharing of music and stuff is big. Some studies have shown that a large majority of the material on an iPod was never paid for. The music, movies and stories came from a sharing network over the Internet.
The various big industries have proclaimed that there is billions of dollars of lost money because of this illegal sharing. I have no doubt of that fact. But, there is a new trend that needs to be looked at closely. Some bands have found that by giving away their songs for free that people buy more of their CD’s. Giving away stuff allows them to make more money. Again, big business says that this is just an anomaly. I don’t think so. Apple formed its iTunes Store a couple of years ago and began selling songs for 99 cents (or $9.99 for most albums). I asked some people and they said, “Why pay for something if I can download it for free?” iTunes has sold millions of songs and now has a thriving business selling TV shows, movies, games, and music videos. Movie studies and Recording Companies are reconsidering their choice to stay away from computers and the Internet.
Here’s a more recent development. I’ve mentioned podcasts – broadcast that you can download for free. I’ve listened to a dozen novels, mostly read by the author and never paid anything. It’s not illegal. Most of these people just want to get known. Scott Sigler is one of the pioneers. He has produced four novels and given them away (even in print form). His first professional publication just hit Amazon.com on April 1st and was immediately in the top 10 for horror and science – fiction. Despite being turned down by mainstream publishers and the traditional book promotion model he has done it by giving away his stuff for free.
