I've seen lots of negative comments regarding both the rampant sharing that is currently going on & the inevitable reissues that are forthcoming.

The more I think about it, the more I see both things as necessary to cement Prince's legacy as the legend we all know he is.

We've discussed the point that a large percentage of his material is out of print, and not readily available through legitimate channels. What I haven't seen mentioned yet is the fact that if one was determined to listen to Prince's discography only from official releases, they have to have access to a turntable, a cassette deck, a CD player, a VHS player, a DVD player (sure, they could play CDs on the DVD player, but I digress) and a digital player that plays multiple file formats. Because there are Prince releases that are exclusive to each of the above mentioned formats, one would need them all to hear legal releases of everything. Again, IF they could find and afford everything.

So, I say those that are sharing are simply helping create the market for the necessary reissues to come and both are essential in an environment where otherwise only those that already have the music will enjoy it rather than newcomers who missed out the first time around. And I don't know about anyone else, but, I want the world to remember the whole of Prince's career and not just the hits.

In my not-so-humble opinion, of course...

when it comes to the sharing of vids, I'm all for it.

So much of this stuff is new to me and I've been in love with prince for over 25 years!!. I've really loved the live shows and TV appearences that have been uploaded. Most of the TV is US TV which I didnt get in London. I've actually been ripping them for my personal collection, so I can show my kid who daddy's hero was.......

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On regards to reissues, I'm right down the middle.

Having worked in the music industry in a previous life, I know what money grabbing scum sucking arseholes they can be so part of me is utterly against making a quick buck on the back of a dead artist, but then it's a good thing they're coming out, especially the Vinyls. As it means the ebay vultures can't rip us fans off for stuff we want. I've wanted his back cat on vinyl forever, but haven't been in the position finacially to do it, then when he died the prices obviously sky rocket. So official reissues bring his vinyls out at a good price for us to enjoy.

I agree about the vids. Seeing the joy he got in playing live again makes it a little easier. I love seeing the twinkle in his eye again. I am not sure if he is watching his fans enjoy all the videos and is happy or if he wishes he could hit the delete button.

Agree with both, doesn't bother me at all. Actually, long overdue.