Russell Peters and the Download Effect

On Monday’s episode of Marc Maron’s podcast WTF, Russell Peters noted how his latest DVD (The Green Card Tour) isn’t selling as well much he hoped, and how he is upset with potential downloaders. The irony of the situation stems from this comment arriving after approximately 40 minutes discussing how his worldwide success came after people shared his 2004 Comedy Now! special on YouTube. That’s right, Peters has internet pirates to thank for his ability to show up to this interview in a Rolls Royce.

Again, I’m all for supporting the artist. I’d even be willing to pay the padded costs of CDs and DVDs if I felt that the additional money went towards giving factory workers jobs, as opposed to filling the pockets of the factory owners. Peters is a worldwide phenom and a very wealthy man. Maybe I’m naive, but I think he should think about taking the Louis CK route with his comedy.