Overheard Online

Is it really that difficult for folks in the industry to at least admit that many, many people discover new music through file sharing? They don’t have to say that it’s okay or that it’s legal. But if they’re going to come up with something that really competes, they should at least be willing to admit what’s really happening in the marketplace. It’s great that they’re trying — but pretending that file sharing doesn’t exist isn’t how you respond to the market threat.
Techdirt on Music Sharing

There is no evidence *at all* that free music on the Internet is an effective (i.e. successful career building) marketing tool. There have been no blockbuster successes that have come from, for example Garageband availability. I don’t think you could even count more than a handful – if that – Internet-based artists making a living from music. I believe several of the American Idol contestants have been on indie music Internet sites, but you cannot attribute their success to the Internet.
Why Does Everything Suck on Free Music