Looking for that special MP3 ?

goose wrote: No one (much) shares files that are the same quality as CD. MP3 throws away at least half of the information even in the best possible circumstances, and they're generally less useful. I don't try and justify sharing music, because of course it is illegal, but on the other hand when I have some money I will buy all the hard copies I can. Right now I'm a student..!

My recommendation: Napster music flat rate.

Ok, I will be open with you, I work for a record label. I work VERY hard. I know exactly how much money an artist gets per cd, and I also know that it is MORE than they get if the album is downloaded instead. I also know if an artist does not meet a 'quota' of sales then they will be dumped by the label or distributor.

I understand and except that the internet has been revoloutionary for the promotion of music (amongst other things!) In fact it never ceases to fill me with wonder that here I am the other side of the atlantic debating an issue with you, I really do. I love that I can share my opinions on music, chat about something I love with likeminded folk, cos yes, you are right there is not a great prog scene in my village!

I don't except that I am going in circles, I stand solid on this issue.

If you swap a music file, and enjoy what you hear and buy the album GREAT, FANTASTIC, but please, please accept that there are thousands, probably millions of folk out there that will download a swapped file think that they have got something for free/cheap and feel pretty clever/smug............ with absoloutely NO intention of actually buying the product. THAT IS A GENUINE FACT!

and YES I do know, personally, musicians that have been effected by the negative side of the internet, as well as knowing many who enjoy the positive.

I also know folk who were happy getting music from p2p without really realising that there were taking something for nothing, I know someone who has downloaded over a thousand albums, (without later buying them) and thought you were 'allowed to cos it was on the net' Niave, yes, but it happens. it happens an awful blinkin lot.

The downloading argument is intense, some one recently said to me, that if they went to the bakers and licked all the donuts, only buying the ones they liked, it would not be long before that baker would be in trouble. This is a valid a nd real problem.

If you buy all the albums you download then thats ok. and I think that more folk should stand up together on this issue to educate the niave or simply misinformed.

Downloading without buying is theft. There is no excape from that. Most bands have downloads freely availble. If I hear of a band I like the sound of here, I look the up, and try get a mp3 from the band legally, if I like it I might then buy the album, but I base that choice on the bits that I do have the opportunity to hear.........and yes sometimes I buy a turkey! If I hear of a band here and am unable to get to hear some by a legal method then I make an educated choice, some I buy, some I don't.

I don't have a lot of money to spend on cd's, my wish list is generally greater than my have list, but thats ok with me. I am not motivated by selfishness. I have more music than I could listen to in a month, there is no rush for more, just want. and want can be controlled surely?

I might sound like a crusader on this issue. But I believe in it strongly. Ido  not start threads about this, I joined in on a thread where the site mentioned was decidedly dodgey, and I wanted to inform.

PCx

Thanks for that info Chopper, I was beginning to feel like a lone music-nazi!!!

con safo wrote: . But the amount of good music sharing has done for lesser known bands cant be denied.

Yes I think the sharing of a file that belongs to you, ie. mp3 available on the website of a band signed or unsigned, can be a incredibly positive thing. But I don't agree that this makes the theft or illegal downloading ok!

I think we should agree to differ on this point.

yes, comparing a 15 dollar cd with a donut is crazy, the musician has SO much more to lose!

con safo wrote: Yes but some bands would have little to no chance of selling their albums if it wasnt for internet publicity, so they have alot to gain as well.

publicity is different from having your music stolen. Get over the publicity thing.

@ Catholic Flame. To take something that is copywrited, and sell it in this way  (even at low prices) is AGAINST copywrite law, therefore ilegal.

There is NO justification for downloading music from a site unethically. I have not heard one argument for this practise that is not just weak reasoning to create a conscience clearer.

It is a fact that it is damaging to business, to livliehoods, and to the continuation of bands that we love. It is extremely damaging to folk who make music.

PLEASE DON'T DO IT!