P2p Downloading And File Sharing
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Peer to peer downloading and file sharing is now one of, if not the most popular uses of the internet within todays generation. The downloading and sharing of files takes place in networks such as Limewire, which provide individuals the opportunity and tools to search and download files from each other on a limitless basis. One of the prominent features that have lead to the success and popularity of this medium of obtaining music is the variety of music itself. Because of the extensive number of downloaders and sharers, the variety of music is vaster, giving the user a very eclectic selection of music files to choose from. Another aspect of the sharing and downloading of music over the internet that has made it immensely popular is that it can perceived as a “win-win” situation for both parties involved. Not only do you get to find songs that you never knew of, but have grown to love, but also get to share your own unique taste in music without the loss of those files(hence, the term “sharing”). The simplicity involved in this attainment of music has lead in the virtually exponential increase of file sharing. There are, according to Webnoize, over a billion files being shared on these downloading networks, which is almost double the number of files from two years ago. There is estimated to be more than one billion music downloads in a week alone.
Although the monetary and convenience benefits are too appealing to pass up, as with anything else college students are infamous for, there is a lack of satisfaction when morality is brought into the argument. Those who produce file sharing networks, those who benefit from these networks, and those whos businesses suffer are constantly discussing(arguing) the implications it may have on the future of online music. On one side of the argument, there are the “Big Five” that constantly complain about copyright infringement, but back it up through lawsuits. What I take from this is that their sole purpose of involving the government is to protect their interests, their “meal tickets”. Some of the well-known artists in the music industry back the corporate side with the argument that peer to peer downloading is a major, if not the sole purpose in the decline of CD sales. To remedy this, (in other words, to get their hand back in the pot) the “Big Five” are investing in new media, in order to develop online music services. The fact that the “Big Five” have taken the legislative route, may be the perfect decision on their part to tip the scales in their direction seeing that they have more pull with the government than the actual consumers who listen to their music on a daily basis. They can advise the government more directly than the average consumer on the regulations needed to protect artists and their brand of music (in corporate terms, the product). In contrast, there are us, the consumers that believe that these networks are a valuable venue in the promotion and development of new and independent artists, therefore becoming another outlet to have their music heard on an international basis, making it more likely for success. This also applies to struggling artists, who are constantly looking for ways to revamp their careers. These artists who have lost popularity do to the changing of the popular genres of music, can promote their newer music easier on the fact that p2p is free, and through that gain another chance in the spotlight. Through this, consumers can decide whether or not, through the sampling of a couple songs, if their album is worth buying.
I believe that the “old, out of touch men” running the industry are only concerned with their pockets, and have lost touch of the true reason for music. In their eyes, they believe consumers should buy entire albums, even if they only enjoy three songs. This mindset stems from them looking out for their best interest. Their concern, from a corporate standpoint should be whether or not these networks are making a profit for every song that is shared. This component of peer to peer sharing would be illegal if it does occur. Whichever way you side,