The RIAA has sued people for piracy- and won huge sums bankrupting college kids. But while the amount of the judgments is excessive, it makes a point.
It is illegal to steal art, and serial uploaders are giving away something not theirs, in effect handing out stolen property to anyone who requests it.
It doesn't matter whether it is music or a print- if you use someone else's work without attribution, you are a thief. This is why I contact as many artists as possible and/or link to their websites when I blog about creative content. (All one needs to do is ask. I've never been refused.) ITunes lets you try before you buy and most artists release videos on Youtube or their personal blogs. These talents hope that you'll really dig them and buy their work.
While it is indeed true that some bands have made their names through music-sharing (Limp Bizkit and Metallica are among them) , it is their choice what they want to give away, not yours. It may not matter to you or even an artist who sells 5 million records whether or not a few songs are ripped off, but when it comes to those just starting out, those dollars can be the difference between paying their mortgage or not.
So if you see or hear something that brings you joy, plunk down the 10 bucks and help those who created it feed their families. While the RIAA may seem douchey for enforcing copyright laws, it is within their right to do so. And if you insist on pirating creative content, don't whine to me when your hard drive is fried from worms and viruses. It is your decision whether $100 worth of someone else's property is worth having to replace a $2000 computer.
When someone spells it out in plain English, the choice should be clear. If you pillage, you will pay in one way or another.
Don't steal.
Image credit : Aphrodite
No comments:
Post a Comment
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think