Earlier quoted context omitted.
I mean... yeah. In the meantime you haven't taken anything from that person; they are performing on a public street. On the contrary, similar to a packed restaurant, your presence might signal to others that there is something worth experiencing where you and your friends are crowded. This could in turn benefit the person you're crowded around by bringing more wallets within earshot. So you haven't actually given not…
Yes, the performer would benefit from that attention. Maybe some of the people your presence brings around will tip them, etc. The difference is that the existence of the performer is super obvious while in this case author and their work is hidden so author will not benefit in the same way.
Sure, that does differentiate the two scenarios. I was responding specifically to the first scenario.
I have an arguably bad habit of responding only to specific points that people make in their arguments, while ignoring the rest of their argument until they address the unresolved point. In this case, someone tried to make a point about standing around street performers. I had something to say about it.