are we really supporting ayumi by d/ling mp3s???

[Unimatrix Prime™]

I think yys113 raised some good points. You don't need to have loads of Ayu CDs, DVDs, Posters, or anything else with the Ayu "brand name" to be considered a fan. Just enjoying her music should be enough. Here's something which may be considered OT:

In an episode of South Park, Kyle, Stan, and Kenny wanted to start their own band, while Cartman wanted to start his own. They placed a bet to see who would get their CD to go platinum first. By the end of the episode, Cartman just wanted to get his CD to go platinum and get loads of money, while the 3 boys realized that music shouldn't be just about the money or status, but knowing that people appreciate your music.

Sure, artists and producers have to make a living, but how many people need a car for every day of the week? Money does change people, so who knows how I'd act if I had several million dollars, but the point is that once some artists get millions of dollars, it may not be about the music anymore, but how much money they can get into their pockets.