Class Presentation #1

One of the books that caught my interest during presentations was titled: Steal This File Sharing Book: What They Wont Tell You About File Sharing by Wallace Wang. The book talked about file sharing networks such as Kazaa, Usenet and Morpheus and covered subjects relating to dangers of using file sharing networks including viruses, lawsuits, spyware and also explained how to avoid them. Through these file sharing networks users are able to share everything from music and video files to pornography and books. Worst of all it reveals how people use them to share secrets and censored information banned by their government. In the book industries are trying to stop the ongoing battle between software, video and music pirates.

The topics included in the book are of interest to me because many people my age use illegal tools to download free music such as limewire. it seems that if industries were so motivated to discontinue the ability to obtain pirated music, videos and software, it would have been done by now, limewire would no longer be available to download and many would have to convert back to buying songs on I tunes or purchasing CDs.

Reasons why songs or other downloads should be illegal to own without purchasing: The artist is not able to enjoy full royalties, such as a large number of their CDs sold each year; that statistic is now considered to be insufficient information. Also, stores that carry CDs depend on buyers to create profit.

Reasons why downloads should be legal to own without purchasing: Sampling songs from unpopular groups before buying which creates popularity for the group. If new music had to be purchased before sampling, nobody would buy the music because of fear of disappointment.

consequently, pirated music could be a good thing for the artist, as long as people continue to listen to their music. If i had to choose, using music through illegal file sharing networks should be legal. We didn't have to pay for our ears, so why have to pay for a song? I am aware that an artist receives profit through the selling of their music, but they still have concerts and T-shirts and other products contributing to their fame and fortune.