This created a "digital potlatch" effect. Users weren't just downloading; they were archiving. If you owned a first pressing of The Velvet Underground & Nico , you were expected to rip it to FLAC, scan the liner notes, and seed it indefinitely.
Be extremely cautious. The modern "Audiopiratebay" is often a honeypot. These sites use the nostalgic keyword to lure in older internet users who remember the glory days. Clicking a magnet link on these sites today often downloads a .exe virus or a crypto miner rather than a Dave Brubeck vinyl rip. audiopiratebay
Have you ever used a dedicated audio torrent site? Share your memories of the FLAC wars in the comments below. This created a "digital potlatch" effect