Provided are methods and systems for legally sharing files in a peer-to-peer network on the internet in a manner that compensates the content owners, artists, authors and/or programmers, and the like. Example methods include incentive programs, which allow users to earn credits that may be redeemable for later file downloads and/or for merchandise at an online store or other compensation. Example methods do not permit file exchanges or downloads when the file is tagged with ownership information that indicates a gap in ownership of the file, in which one or more content owners was not compensated. Further example methods permit file exchanges or downloads, but provide that one or more of the users is disqualified from receiving credits for files tagged with information indicating a gap in ownership of the file.