I think it's the same reason torrents didn't completely destroy the entertainment industry. Consumers want a fresh new thing that seems to be made for them.
I have lists upon lists of of music, library ebooks (the free way to not pay!), and video games as well as multiple lifetimes worth of free content on the internet. What today's consumer craves is for anyone to reach in, show them the next perfect thing, and promise that the barrier to entry will be worthwhile. Some fans immediately know what they want next thanks to friends, critics, or their own insatiable research, but most people* desire a buzz of encouragement to get them started.
* I use the phrase "most people" very deliberately here. The Blue Ocean Strategy theorizes that there's always a new demographic to pursue. Reduce the barrier to entry and some increase in customer retention is almost guaranteed.
I have lists upon lists of of music, library ebooks (the free way to not pay!), and video games as well as multiple lifetimes worth of free content on the internet. What today's consumer craves is for anyone to reach in, show them the next perfect thing, and promise that the barrier to entry will be worthwhile. Some fans immediately know what they want next thanks to friends, critics, or their own insatiable research, but most people* desire a buzz of encouragement to get them started.
* I use the phrase "most people" very deliberately here. The Blue Ocean Strategy theorizes that there's always a new demographic to pursue. Reduce the barrier to entry and some increase in customer retention is almost guaranteed.