Louis C.K. knew the risks in making his product available for download, so he simply leveled with his audience. He told them he put up his own money, and asked them to support him by not pirating. He was upfront about what he spent to make the show, and told them he wanted it to be accessible to his fans. His audience appreciated it, and rewarded him with their purchases.
Mass marketing is over. That should be great news for salespeople, marketers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and artists. You can no longer distinguish yourself from the masses, because the “mass” is going away. That means you don’t have to try anymore. In other words, you no longer have to distinguish yourself from the masses. Now, the goal is to identify your tribe, and connect with them.