why was it no problem copying a cassette in the 80's, but if u burn a cd now a days ure robbing an artist?

Question

musicpirates

Answer 1

If it was bootlegging with cassettes, why did every cassette player have a record function???

Answer 2

It was actually a problem copying to cassettes in the 80's. In fact, they ended up placing extra tarifs on them. However, it was not as much of an issue because: a) somebody in your circle of friends had to own it, b) a cassette sounded so much worse than the original that it wasn't worrisome c) everytime you copied from a cassette to another cassette, you added 6db of noise.

It should be noted that it has always been stealing... it's just that, now, you can make perfect copies of the original. That sucks when you consider it costs millions of dollars to develop an act, record them, advertise them, send them out on tours, get them played on the radio. Studios spend millions of dollars in gear to make better recordings. The acts themselves have usually banged their heads against the wall for a few years before anyone noticed. Those musicians who make millions now made nothing for a long time - and got laughed at for not getting a real job.

The funniest part is that the same morons who steal music are the people who will go on strike because their holidays aren't long enough or they don't have enough time to play golf.

You love music?

Here's an experiment: Spend all your time and money for two years - locked away from your family and friends - working 12 -15 hours a day - remember you're paying for it from your pocket. (Like bands who have to pay back the record companies who advance them money for their records) Then, when you have developed this amazing work, try and sell it. See how you feel when some snot-nosed kid drives away in his Dad's Lexus with it for free to play on his $300 ipod that his mommy bought him while you struggle to pay your rent...

Answer 3

It was still a problem in the 80s, it was just not as wide spread and prevalent. There were companies that would try and specialize in making "mix" tapes and they would get shut down. Also in the 80s, copying tapes iand making mix tapes provided more word of mouth advertising probably than the amount the artist would be theoretically losing versus the internet and mass marketing of today.

Answer 4

you were still robbing an artist in the 80s by copying the cassette. it was a small problem back then-you were confined to borrowing cassettes from your friends. now with the internet you have almost every album at your fingertips.

Answer 5

The means by which many burn CD's is via the internet- in the 80's there was no way of tracking it, lest someone tried to sell bootleg copies.The anonomity has been lost, and for some reason, those artist who seem to be most affronted by it usually are the ones who could go home and roll naked in their money. Tis a shame. . .

Answer 6

It has always been illegal to copy someone else's copyright protected material, however, with today's technology it has become easier to duplicate and distribute said material. Because of this, many artists and labels are finally becoming vocal and litigious about protecting their property. Read the liner on a cassette, you'll find that it warns against reproducing the material.

Answer 7

It is not illegal to burn a copy of a CD if you already own the original CD. The problem arises when you download the songs from an unknown person and then burn them to a CD...that is illegal.

Answer 8

Because cassettes sucked and the recording will only last a few years before it is useless (Demagnetized).... digital storage mediums (CDs) last much longer and always playback flawlessly (unless they are dirty or damaged) its the technology that makes a difference in this case.

Answer 9

it's the speed with which you can do it!! sure , you could tape a cassette, but it took the same amount of time as playing it, so people didn't do it so often. with the tremendous speed of computers and rippers and burners now, you can grab a full length cd in a matter of minutes.
legally speaking, it is theft.

Answer 10

because the artists are greedy these days. half the time i burn a copy of my own cd's for myself. but if a friend/family member wants the cd to check out maybe they'll go buy other music of theirs.