The has been a lot of legal drama about this because after all, music is still a business. I'm sure we can relate to working hard for something and then expecting a profit from it. However, I think there can be some benefits to someone downloading your mp3 for free.

First of all, there can be a scenario where someone, who wasn't going to buy the artist's record, downloads an mp3 for free, he then really starts to like the song from the artist. He goes ahead and buys the album, he loves it. The next thing you know he is buying every album that this artist releases.

What's important about downloading music for free is that it can be viewed as samples. Personally I've bought albums from songs that I've downloaded in mp3 format. It's not that unusual.

Another benefit that can be found when you download a free mp3 file, is that you can discover about new artists and styles of music, music that you would have never have heard otherwise.

The internet is growing fast, and artists are starting to use it to get more exposure everyday. This is where you come in. It's all about what you do. I feel great when I discover a great artist, the stuff you don't get on mtv, and then I'm able to track their album and buy it. This wouln't be possible without free mp3 downloads.

What you need to do when you do download music online, is the following:

1) View it as "sampling music", it's just a teaser for when you download mp3's online, you go ahead and purchase the albums of the artist you really enjoy.

2) Keep the music you download to yourself. Just don't sell it or be giving it away to everyone and you'll be safe from any legal issues.

3) Get a good software to download music online. Be warned that there are many people taking advantage of inocent visitors to their sites, that they give you a free mp3 download, but in return they plant a huge virus in your computer. Be sure to get a top download software to avoid these unnecesary troubles.

4) Get a fast connection. This, in the long run, will save you tons of time and make it a smoother process.

Be sure you're doing all the above stuff and you and the free music downloads will get just fine.