This really stirs up a conflict in me. One of the examples of successful
DRM-free content was the Louis CK concert "Live at the Beacon Theatre". It
was offered on his site to stream and he still made over a million dollars
from fans who wanted to support him. He does have the benefit of an existing
fanbase who buys his concert tickets or buys the Louie DVDs unlike most of
us.
He did note that people will probably put the concert on BitTorrent and
kindly asked to support the artist:
"To those who might wish to "torrent" these shows:
Look, I don't really get the whole "torrent" thing. I don't know enough about
it to judge either way. But I'd just like you to consider this: I made these
files extremely easy to use against well-informed advice. I was told that it
would be easier to torrent the way I made it, but I chose to do it this way
anyway, because I want it to be easy for people to watch and enjoy this video
in any way they want without "corporate" restrictions.
Please bear in mind that I am not a company or a corporation. I'm just some
guy. I paid for the production and posting of this video with my own money. I
would like to be able to post more material to the fans in this way, which
makes it cheaper for the buyer and more pleasant for me. So, please help me
keep this being a good idea. I can't stop you from torrenting; all I can do
is politely ask you to pay your five little dollars, enjoy the show, and let
other people find it in the same way.
Sincerely,
Louis C.K."
