These are all valid points of view, and not being a "creator" it's difficult for me to say who is right and who isn't. Being a piratical-type for the most part, but supported those I choose to (and can afford ... no deep pockets here). I understand the author's rights ... but if it's posted, and I find it intriguing, chances are that I will snag it ... possibly "following" the artist's progress. I found myself attracted to
District13/Nini's storytelling and imagery, so when the original
D13 request page folded up (thanks,
Mr Putin), I stepped up and threw my support and money her way ... either that, or the sources at the time completely dried up; I went full in and eventually, after being coaxed by a fellow member, to start a group and continued in the footsteps of the original "request group" ... for better or worse, the group still thrives ... after a bumpy start, and taken to the woodshed by
Nini herself ... but we came to an accord. I like to think that by sharing her works, not immediately out of the gate ... but in a somewhat timely manner, I may have done my small part in increasing her subscribers.
Still ... and this is the dilemma of sorts ... once it's out there, it sort of becomes "public domain" ...
I'm a moderate fan of
NickCockman's work ... it was his work,
Trish627's,
MaxMax,
Caligula ... I'm a dyed in the wool
TK17 fanboy I guess ... those artists grabbed my attention and got me off and running with this weird little "hobby" of mine. Recently
NickCockman pulled almost all of his work off the "shelf" so
to to speak. People ripping him off left and right ... immediately after a release. I'm just as guilty as anyone because if it became suddenly available, I'd download it for the collection. So now, a lot of his stuff is unavailable; completely understandable from his point of view. At the same time it lessens his chances of hooking a new group of viewers who might become potential subscribers. "Word of mouth" and buzz can be a good thing ... depriving new viewers of your works can, at the same time, result in a smaller pool of a potential huge market out there.
NC's current work ... somewhat a shadow of his best videos. IMHO.
The blade cuts both ways.
I can only suggest a middle of the road solution. Wait a certain period of time ... bite the bullet ... then release a bit here and there. Not that I'm in a position to
advise, but I'm always amused to see how many of
my Nini "fan-edits" are posted on a myriad of sites. It's an odd feeling to see it elsewhere, that's for sure.
But ror me ... since it's a hobby & a passion, I get over it, because I've done my part sharing her work, which may or may not added to her list of subscribers ... who knows?
What's the answer? Piracy is a fact-of-life on the Web. The solution? I'll leave that to the poets and philosophers to figure out.

I'm gonna grab a beer now ...
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