Weekend Wonderings

Pirating



1. Do you think that the RIAA is right in trying to stop the downloading of music for free? They're in the business of making money. Look at how artists are treated; they sign away their likeness and rights for cents on the dollar, unlike authors. The RIAA has a vested interest in making certain piracy ends, so in this sense, they have to stop it.



Do I agree with their methods, no. Piracy would not be an issue to begin with, had they not gouged listeners. We buy music because we love to listen to it but, in their lack of wisdom, they repeatedly overcharged us for a product that costs them pennies to manufacturer.



They've been greedy - plain and simple. They force us to pay exorbitant prices for a product with maybe only one song that we like, instead of giving us the music we want, the way we want, when we want. They went to the lawyers and started suing and taxing sales of blank CDRs.



2. What are your thoughts on pirating (music and/or software)? If you're unconcerned about the legal woes, go for it. I didn't download from Napster before the suing started and I am not risking it now, it's not worth it. I like my music to be good quality and can hear the difference between a MP3 and a commercial music CD. What I have done in protest is purchased less music - a lot less. If it's not $10.99 or less, I don't buy it. I don't care how badly I'd like it. The music can kiss my butt!



3. If a person is caught pirating (music and/or software) what do you think the punishment (if any) should be? Have them do community work with teens about the perils of pirating and give speeches to groups (PTA, Women's groups, Toastmaster, Chambers of commerce, etc.) educating and alerting them how to tell if they're child's engaging in piracy.