Well, seems like everyone is throwing their two cents in. I have to admit I let a friend borrow and burn Hamster Theatre (a freakin' beautiful Denver band that's on Cuneiform Records). That person is now a fan of Hamster, will definitely attend their live shows, and may very well buy future Hamster Theatre cds. Now, one may argue if that person really liked Hamster Theatre they would have went out and bought it at first listen. I would argue, and this seems to be true for a lot of people newly exposed to creative music, that that burned copy will have the lasting effect of turning that person into a fan who probably otherwise wouldn't be one upon just a listen (or two). Maybe I'm just different from everyone, but I never feel quite satisfied with a burned copy. It just never feels complete. Plus, I always go out of my way to purchase cds from the artists (or from great local record stores, to promote local businesses) when I have the opportunity. I think it'd be interesting to see how much cd purchases have really gone down since the invention of the burner. It really hasn't had an effect on my spending habits. Probably just the opposite. When a friend of mine burned me a copy of Anthony Braxton (whom I hadn't heard before), it inspired me to purchase more of his music. Anyhoo, let's beat a dead horse, shall we. It's the only proper thing to do. (By the way, Cuneiform Records has some brilliant releases!!!!!) Matt G _____________________________________________________________"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty." - Benjamin Franklin____________________________________________________________ --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now