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Pluralistic: "If buying isn't owning, piracy isn't stealing"
(pluralistic.net)
This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.
Even if they were paid upfront, they were paid off the idea that the company could make bank on their (ready yourself for the word in case it triggers): Intellectual Property.
In a future world where people have achieved their wish and the concept no longer exists, companies have no reason to pay creators ahead of time.