I remember my first experience with illegal file sharing. I was 14 years old and had watched enough MTV so hear about the controversy surrounding Napster and the subsequent shutting down of the popular program. Instead of thinking of how wrong it was however, I was disappointed I hadn’t heard about it sooner, when I still could have used it to download all the music I wanted for free. What could be better? I went to my computer to do a little research and came across Kazaa, a file-sharing program similar to Napster, but it had not yet been shut down. I downloaded the program and subsequently started downloading all the songs I could think of. I made mix CD’s, I discovered new music...it opened up a whole new world of music for me at the time.
In regards to public policy, illegal file sharing has been vilified as the killer of the music industry. In past years CD sales have gone down and that is a fact. Though I cannot speak for all users of illegal file-sharers downloading music illegally was never a replacement for purchasing a CD. This was before the days of previewing songs on Itunes and youtube.com where you could find a video accompanied by the song and listen to it for free. If you liked one song by an artist you either shelled out the money to buy the whole CD or you never bought the CD at all. For me illegal file sharing opened up my ears to more music, rather than keeping me from purchasing it. If I liked a song by an artist I would download a few songs, usually the ones highest on the list that were the most downloaded (a.k.a. most popular). If I liked the songs I would go and purchase the CD. Many artists I may have never even heard of, I purchased their full albums because of the few free songs I downloaded on Kazaa.
My stance is a controversial one, but for me illegal file sharing doesn’t undermine the music industry. These programs have come in and out. Kazaa was soon shut down followed by a mass lawsuit against users, I was luckily not indicted. Then a few others followed including BearShare, which plagued two of my family’s computers with viruses, then LimeWire, now probably the most common file-sharing program. I no longer use these programs because of other outlets, but I would disagree with those that claim these programs are what contributed to the fall of record sales. A recent article also supports my position, if you’d like to read it here is the link!
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2004/04.15/09-filesharing.html
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ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with your blog post about the purchasing of CDS. If a person likes the artist they will want to support them and purchase the CD. Downloading free songs can serve the purpose as a "preview" of what the entire album has to offer. Although file-sharing has brought down music sales, I do not feel it is the "killer" of the industry.
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I definitely believe that we should view these as previews! with all of the advances in media and new technology we should learn to adjust and move in the right direction when it comes using new technology in distributing products effectively while still turning a profit. check out my blog www.myfsumind.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteJust like you, I have practiced the act of file-sharing using all the familiar websites you just named such as BearShare and LimeWire. It's funny that you mention how using these file-sharing websites only opened your eyes up to a bigger selection of music. I would have to agree with that statement simply b/c I seemed to have been introduced to many different artist who would re-mix some of the songs and put out different versions. Once I would hear their mixes, it was like becoming a fan of another artist.
ReplyDeleteI have a different point of view on piracy. I don't think people should buy the albums just for the music. I remember when I used to go buy Cd's in middle school and I would let friends listen to them, but that isn't illegal. Then why is it illegal for me to let a few thousand friends listen? If the RIAA wants to fix the issue why don't they try changing their approach. GIVE IT AWAY. Let people have the music to listen to but add incentives to buying the album. Then if people pirate the extras included in a paid copy you have a case against them because you have already said that anyone can listen to the music. I used to tape songs of the radio but that was never an issue, so where did we draw the line? We drew it right around the point that the greedy millionaires in these organizations had to sell one of their houses or cars. They never gave me anything and we shouldn't be buying them mansions.
ReplyDeleteI also remember the first time I came in contact with file sharing. Napster was legit back in the day. I must have been in 3rd grade when I discovered it.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you as well about purchasing CDs. When someone really likes an artist, they will typically purchase the album to support them and have ownership.
I don't think I would go purchase a CD when I can listen to it on my computer, d/l it to an mp3 player, hook it up to my stereo.
ReplyDeleteJust isn't a reason to purchase a CD to me. I can d/l the rest of the songs on the album as easy as I can one.
I will say though, I am not a huge music fan. I like music, I just don't trip on it. I can take it or leave it.
So for the sake of comparison, I rarely bought CD's before and never do now.
I appreciate everyones comments! It seems as though a lot of people agree with me, which comes as a surprise! Chris I think your idea sounds great, and I think that would greatly help the music industry. And Tara i understand your point of view, and I was coming from the standpoint as a fan. If I am a fan of the artist, and appreciate the songs I will go buy the CD. Thanks for the comments!
ReplyDelete