The Ethics of Bootlegging

[oak]

My question to you is somewhat simple: how would your define your ethics in relation to bootlegging records? Are there points where it is justified, or are any means taken by people to make money off of unofficial merchandise (albeit unofficial merchandise that the fans would love to own) inherently bad because it's making a profit off of someone else's music and legacy?

 

[Murfocakes]

I’m ok with it. Big Star Third was a boot up until the Ryko issue and without my bootlegs of Smile I’m not sure I would have got into The Beach Boys to the same degree. Of course when an official appears the boots disappear so there is still some level of control for the artist.