Freeloading: How Our Insatiable Appetite for Free Content Is Starving Creativity
Chris Ruen's sole published standalone book and authorial debut.
Author guide
Chris Ruen Books in Order
Chris Ruen is a New York Times-published writer, author, voice actor, and digital consultant. He co-founded the University of Minnesota student magazine The Wake and has written essays, criticism, profiles, and interviews for publications including The New York Times, Slate, The New Republic, The New Statesman, Stereogum, and Tiny Mix Tapes. His authorial debut, Freeloading, examines digital piracy, copyright, and the effects of online distribution on artists and creative communities.
nonfictionmusic criticismdigital culture
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Frequently asked questions about Chris Ruen
Who is Chris Ruen?
Chris Ruen is a writer and author who also works as a SAG-AFTRA voice actor and digital consultant. His writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Slate, The New Republic, and Stereogum.
Sources: chrisruen.com (opens in a new tab)chrisruen.com (opens in a new tab)
What did Chris Ruen do at The Wake?
Ruen co-founded The Wake with James DeLong in spring 2002 while they were University of Minnesota Twin Cities undergraduates. The student publication covers arts, culture, and social commentary.
Source: wakemag.org (opens in a new tab)
What inspired Chris Ruen to write about digital piracy?
According to his publisher, Ruen’s perspective grew from his own experience as a former “freeloader” and from spending time with Brooklyn bands that had not yet made significant profits from their music. He also drew on conversations and interviews with contemporary musicians.
Source: orbooks.com (opens in a new tab)
What awards or recognition is Chris Ruen associated with?
The Wake and its website, which Ruen co-founded, were named Best Independent Campus Publication in 2006 by the Independent Press Association’s Campus Journalism Project. His book was also named a favorite music book of 2012 by the Future of Music Coalition.
Sources: wakemag.org (opens in a new tab)orbooks.com (opens in a new tab)
What artist-rights activism has Chris Ruen been involved in?
Ruen co-organized and emceed the Artist Pay For Radio Play rally in New York City with guitarist and activist Marc Ribot. The event included artists such as David Byrne, Rosanne Cash, Jason Moran, and Tift Merritt, and was covered by Billboard, The New York Times, and Newsweek.