Don't Support Piracy
At the risk of sounding like a bit of a douchebag, I've prepared a little rant:
As someone who works in entertainment, it is very disturbing and frustrating when I get messages from fans asking where they can download the material to make their own videos and/or just to have the film, series or song on hand. These people don't seem to realize that an incredible amount of work goes into making movies and TV shows (think 16+ hour days, overnight shifts, sleepless nights to make deadlines), and most musical artists put enormous effort into writing and recording their songs as well.
When you want to own or use something without paying for it, you are essentially saying that, while the product is worth your time and continued interest, the people who killed themselves to create it don't deserve your support. Now, let's be clear - I am all for online sharing as a form of discovery. I would never have found many of my favorite songs or series without file sharing and would never condemn someone for wanting to "check out" new material that way or to catch up on missed episodes. However - and this is very important - I then legally bought those films, songs, shows or episodes. The artists got not only my money and support but also the support of many friends and viewers who I then recommended the material to, whether directly or through my videos.
Every video on this site was made using footage that I either own or rented. Every song was bought as an mp3 or ripped from one of my CDs. Personally, I couldn't care less if people check out films/shows via unauthorized free sites... knock yourself out. But if you like it that much, have the decency to pick up a proper copy of your own. All film/TV and song titles on this site are now linked to Amazon. If you love a song that I used, don't ask me where you can download it...buy it for $0.99! It's less than a dollar and you are supporting the people who actually put themselves out to make it available to you. If you like a TV show and don't want to pay for the DVD box set, shell out a few bucks to buy digital versions of your favorite episodes. It's not much to ask and it ensures that the right people are being recognized for their hard work...and believe me, it is hard work and it's an insult to all artists when so little respect is shown.
*Side note: most of my viewers are wonderful folks who see my videos and promptly buy the song or show themselves. This is obviously not directed at you.