Illegally downloading music is an addiction. I know that clichés are not allowed, however, I am giving myself permission to blog metaphorically. There are many areas in the issue of copyright infringement that can be discussed, but we all know that music downloads are the most prevalent in the life of a college student. So what is the metaphor? Simple: we are all conscious kleptomaniacs and technological addicts. Any government law or corporation’s attempt to stop us from downloading is merely as unsuccessful as Lindsey Lohan or Britney Spears taking a trip to rehab. Our generation has learned since probably the third grade that smoking causes cancer, yet millions of young adults still continue to smoke. Likewise, internet users and music fans will continue to download until there are absolutely no ways to beat the system (which there always are).
The goal of this assignment is for us to be creative and find a compromise that benefits creators/ artists and the public. Yet after reading all of the required material, as well as browsing the internet, I became so frustrated with trying to write this blog because I realized that I could not (pardon my informality and language), but I could not even bullshit an idea that included any laws, restrictions or technological vocabulary because I do not think that any plan of action will ever be truly effective in stopping the sharing/downloading of music files.
Exhibit A: My Roommate Mackenzie… (I recorded exact quotes… it was a sensitive subject)
Me: “Have you ever been accused of copyright infringement?”
Mackenzie: “Yes, I am a f-ing victim of having to spend hours of my precious time watching stupid videos and taking pointless tests on the consequences of illegally downloading music onto my computer.”
Me: “Who caught you?”
Mackenzie: “F-ing UB Micro. I was targeted because I purchased my computer through UB, and because I gave them my computer to fix a minor cosmetic problem, they took advantage of the situation by searching though my personal content and ‘stumbling’ across about 1,500 of my ‘illegally’ downloaded songs.”
Me: “With the number of music downloaders not only in our country, but internationally, why do you think that you were specifically targeted?”
Mackenzie: “At first I had no idea, but after watching the videos I actually learned that record companies have asked UB, who they consider an institution, to monitor any illegal downloading done on campus through their networks.”
Me: “What scared you the most about the situation?”
Mackenzie: “Depending on my next offense, and how many songs I am caught with, I could be charged anywhere from $25-$125 per song.”
Me: “So, have you stopped downloading music?”
Mackenzie: “I tried really hard to stop for a few months, but the music is at my fingertips (not to mention that it is free)! So, yes I still download music.”
Notice her last comment, she kind of sounds like a crack fiend, don’t you think? The internet basically dangles MP3 files in your face if you have even the slightest clue as to how to use the internet. I do not mean to come across as ignorant or pessimistic. I do realize that from a creator/artist’s perspective that they financially draw the shorter straw, yet I also believe that their exposure (whether or not it is downloaded for free) opens up even more opportunities for them. After everything I read about copyright infringement I should probably be rambling off statistics about declining CD sales or backing up intellectual property, but I can’t. In the musical aspect of sharing files, I believe that easy access is not about money, it is about sharing culture and art.
“Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8 of the US Constitution provides the basis for copyright and other forms of intellectual property law in the United States (Orvalle, 2005).” I mean, clearly it is important, yet not even the laws of our founding fathers can be preserved; the internet is too powerful, and people want to want to get their hands on everything.
I’d say threaten users with fees, but as my roommate has proven, that does not seem to be too effective. I’d say make CDs cheaper, but nothing will ever be as better than what is FREE. My only suggestion, which is pretty farfetched, would be to find a way to completely shut down all file sharing networks. Excuse me while I go listen to my iPod.
4 comments:
Great post -- even though you didn't reach a solution, you a) indicate that you thought about the issue and b) present an interesting, creative argument. Don't forget to include the full citation of your cited references.
Despite the fact that the government has tried cracking down on illegal downloading...(even UB micro) it will always be possible due to the new advances and hacking programs that come out daily. Your blog however, did show me that some people do get caught, but the government doesn't come breaking down your door to find you. It will always be an issue, as you said, mp3 files dangle in front of our faces.
downloading music is deff an addiction... like she said "its free and at your fingertips". its funny to think that UB looks for those who download music illegally but what about DC++ this is only availible at UB. and im sure it not legal. how come they havent "stumbled" across this? good post/ good points made!
Excellent post!! although the government has tried eliminating illegal downloading there will always be a way for people to get music free, via torrents and programs such as Limewire and Ares. After reading your blog I still feel the same haha but i do see that there are some people that do get caught and i feel bad for them.
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