Internet piracy: it's an eternal battle pitting indies versus corporations, free spirits against the moneygrubbing Scrooge McDucks of the world. Right? Sort of, sometimes - maybe not. Freeloading takes a critical, cool look at a near-pervasive phenomenon that involves almost everyone who taps a keyboard. Beyond that, it's a reminder of the truism that for every action there are consequences. What happens when we pirate a favourite work of art - a song, book, or movie? And as importantly: what, if anything, can or should be done about it? Author Chris Ruen, himself a former dedicated freeloader, came to understand how illegal downloads can threaten an entire artistic community after he spent time with successful Brooklyn bands who had yet to make a significant profit on their popular music. Through original research and extensive interviews with musicians and artists, Freeloading not only dissects this ongoing battle but also proposes concise, practical solutions that provide protection to artists and consumers alike.

Author Biography

Chris Ruen is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The NewYork Times, Slate's The Big Money, and New York Press. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2004, where he co-founded and published The Wake, a student magazine. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.