Blog 9: File Sharing

I have no problems downloading or copying any music. Because major record artists aren't making all of their money from selling records and the record label is who is making most of the money anyways, I don't feel like I am hurting the artist. Regardless, the ease would out way my guilt for cheating the artist out of a few bucks. Struggling independent artists usually put their music on the internet knowing that it will be downloaded. These artists, being struggling artists are probably illegally downloading music as well. Also, independent artists tend to have a more dedicated audience that will buy their music to support the band and not because they heard one hit single on the radio. As for downloading or copying anything I already own, well it's mine and I believe I should be able to do whatever I want with it so long as I am not selling it. I think it is a violation of my rights to say that I can't make a back up of a CD that I bought. It isn't illegal to make a tape of a CD that I own, so why should making a copy of a CD be illegal? Same goes for downloading a copy of a song I already own. There is little difference from importing a CD I bought and downloading the same CD I bought except for ease. Shoplifting a CD from a store is different. I wouldn't have a problem shoplifting from a corporate music store such as Best Buy or Circuit City because I don't agree with the systems of a large corporation and it would not be hurting their business significantly. On the other hand, I would never shoplift from an independent or local record store or music store because it would be hurting their business and I believe in supporting local business. I am going to download music no matter what, I don't need to make excuses like "I'm just trying it out". If I buy a CD it is more for the novelty of owning the CD, case, and booklet with it. Additionally I don't have problems sharing files publicly or to a group of friends. This just shows innovation and progress. If we can do it, why not? I don't believe it hurts anyone traumatically and even if it does, there is no denying that it happens and will continue to happen. So, record labels will just need to find a new way to make money. In fact, I think of file sharing as a sort of knowledge. It is like going to the library. If everyone does it, than the information is more accessible to others. In the way that we should all have access to free literature, we should all have access to free music. This is not to say that I am discrediting the artists. In fact, the whole system is messed up. Artists should be encouraged to make art by the government and should be given grant money as incentive. Plus, even with free and easy music downloading, people are still buying CDs. Just because we have libraries doesn't mean that people don't buy books anymore. People like having hard copies of stuff and will always be willing to pay for it.