Is it wrong to complain about not getting a gift?
CCM Links exists to promote Christian music. It was originally a section of another personal website and became both large enough and popular enough to merit its own space. I wanted others to experience the same life-enriching songs that I had…which, incidentally, is why I also love to sing at church. I want to share the good stuff.
It’s that desire to share that drove me to add a blog to my site. I love providing links to free music because I believe that it’s the best way to promote the purchase and consumption of music. When I can promote an artist and their ministry, I feel good…and I love promoting other folks who do the same. I recently wrote about Grassroots Music’s great website, and how they offered all kinds of free Christian music.
Grassroots Music has recently updated and rearranged their website…and I can’t find any free mp3s there at all. Unfortunately, they look like they’re just a store now. I don’t even see the artist bios and links and reviews anymore. That’s a shame, because their website used to be a great resource for Christian music fans. Now it looks like a well-done web store like a lot of other well-done web stores.
I have no problem with someone trying to make a living, obviously…I’m a freelance web designer, and love seeing people make money online. I wonder, though, whether taking down the resource part might not be the worst long-term move they could make. If you’ve got free resources (mp3s, artist bios, album reviews) why not continue to make them available? I don’t get it, guys.
I’m looking for someone who can shed light on this subject. What do you think? Is it wrong to complain when someone stops giving you free music? Discuss.