These sites are bullshit
I will continue torrenting my shows, movies and music UNTIL a pay/sub site emerges that:
1) DOES NOT lock out users based on geolocation;
2) DOES NOT encumber files with any form of DRM;
3) DOES NOT lock users into requiring any particular hardware/software brand to play files back (including any specific OS);
4) DOES NOT require me to install invasive bloatware on my computer;
5) DOES NOT require me to use any specific browser to visit the site;
6) DOES make it easy for users to locate and download files without 20 damned click-throughs;
7) DOES have either a monthly subscription model (say $20 per month) OR charges a reasonable amount per file (say $0.50 per song, $2 - $5 for an album, $1 for a TV episode, $2 - $5 for a movie) OR a cheaper subscription with discounts on purchases;
8) DOES allow you to download a purchased file several times in case the first attempt fails.
There is already one such site for 3D modelling enthusiasts where you can download 3D models for very reasonable prices that meets all the above criteria, and it seems to be doing rather well. It's called Daz|Studio (www.daz3d.com). I was impressed enough that I joined their Platinum Club for $7 a month and I happily spend $20 - $60 a month buying dozens of models from them.
Their site is a paragon of how a buy-and-download site SHOULD work. All their models are categorised and their product search matches just what you're looking for. Their product SERPs have nice big thumbnails of the model and several more to choose from on the product page when you click on one. Product requirements (which 3D programs it works in, what other models are needed etc) are clearly listed on the product page. They have both a one-click cart for purchases and a cart-like "wishlist" where you can bookmark items you don't want right away but may intend to buy in the future. Buying models is a simple matter of Add to Cart, click Checkout, tick Use Current Credit Card (you give the details to them on your first purchase), click Purchase, and download from the link on your Recent Purchases page. You get multiple tries at downloading in case the first few attempts fail, and the download remains available for a week after you buy it in case you can't get it right away. Clean, simple, user-friendly.
Go on there and have a play, you'll see for yourself how a buy-and-download site should be. Now if this model works for such a specialist application as 3D modelling, and they can create such an effective site, why the hell can't the damned media pigs do the same thing?
So until these conditions are met, I will keep on getting media from torrents. End of.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
