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James Otto Sounds Off On Illegal Downloading

James OttoJames Otto took to Twitter this week to protest illegal downloading of music, offering a specific example of how it affects artists and songwriters.

"I've known music piracy was rampant, but check it out," he wrote. "This week I sold 7,500 singles (which is pretty good), but 80,000 people stole it. No wonder so many of my friends in the business are losing their jobs. Kinda scary. Half the [song]writers in Nashville can't get a job anymore because of this. People pay five bucks for a cup of coffee, but not 99 cents for a song?"

And while James then quickly Tweeted, "Sorry, rant over," a few hours later he was back on topic.

"I worry sometimes that a sense of entitlement is creeping into our society," he continued. "Entitlement is the killer of creation. Why work if everything [is] free? This country was built on hard work by people expecting to be paid!

"I wanna say thank all y'all who love and support music," he added. "It's the first thing they cut from school budgets, and now nobody wants to pay for it."

James' current single is 'Groovy Little Summer Song.' It's from his new, self-titled album, due for release in September.


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nascarholly5368

^^^ Actually "A Groovy Little Summer Song" is the second release from his upcoming album. The first one was named "Since You Brought It Up". (smiles)

God bless you and James always!!!

Holly in East Tennessee

P.S. Downloading "A Groovy Little Summer Song" was actually free when it was first released thanks to a special offer that was done through People Country magazine. (smiles)

July 20 2010 at 12:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
thebadoerfan

While I agree with the spirit of his comments, I do wonder where the 80,000 figure comes from. A lot of the problem with illegal downloading is that it's not trackable and not public. It's not like you go somewhere official and allow the illegal downloading to be counted when you do it.

One other issue here - this is the first single off his new album, which isn't out yet. If I wanted it (I don't, particularly), I would consider illegally downloading it, until I can buy the album when it comes out, rather than paying for the same thing twice.

July 17 2010 at 11:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nascarholly5368

To me, there was no reason for James to say "I'm sorry." for such a rant or any rant for that matter. I love him so much!!! (big smile)

God bless you and him always!!!

Holly in East Tennessee

July 15 2010 at 9:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jukeboxsouthern

I agree with Mr. Otto. This country was not put together overnight. Our country was built over time on or after years and years of HARD working American people. It’s a crying shame that people are so greedy in today’s times. Not only is stealing music taking away from songwriters and musicians families. There is so many fraudulent folks cheating with Unemployment benefits. There selfishness is taking away from others who are as of equally unwaged.

July 15 2010 at 6:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jukeboxsouthern

I agree with Mr. Otto. This country was not put together overnight. Our country was built over time on or after years and years of HARD working American people. It’s a crying shame that people are so greedy in today’s times. Not only is stealing music taking away from songwriters and musicians families. There is so many fraudulent folks cheating with Unemployment benefits. There selfishness is taking away from others who are as of equally unwaged.

July 15 2010 at 6:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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