Class Debate Question: Why is download music illegal? Need some ideas.?

Question

I personally love downloading music, but for my debate class I have to side with why downloading music is a CRIME, I wanted to be on the other side but oh well. I have to use my support from the "Intellectual Property Law" Can anyone help me? Thanks yall

Answer 1

It's illegal if you do it for FREE. FREE music means that the record companies and the artists don't get their money. Here's an article I found from the Recording Industry Association of America, a music-industry trade group. It might help you develop your argument.

http://www.riaa.com/issues/piracy/online.asp

Not all downloads are illegal. If you download from iTunes, Yahoo Music Unlimited or WalMart's website, you have to pay before you can download the music. The ones where you have to pay are allowed by law.

Answer 2

Downloading music is not illegal.....if you pay for it. The reason music is illegal when people download it, is because they have no licence for it. Record companies are losing money, as are the artists.

It is obvious that the music industry has to be losing some money due to Internet music file sharing, but finding the exact amount lost due to music downloading isn't so simple. One thing that is for certain however is that the loss affects the industry, the musicians, and even sound technicians, recording studios, and music stores.

So basically, too many people, such as the record companies themselves and the artists are not making as much money as they could due to people downloading the music, instead of paying.

Answer 3

hmmm.. this is hard, because I also love downloading free music :)

my argument would be that the artist has created their work, the same way a company manufactures their product. this is their finished product that they designed and executed. i think it is similar to patenting an idea or invention-- the music you created is unique to the artist, and was created in their own mind and image.

by supporting the artist and paying for the art/product they have created, you are paying them for their service.

i think in a debate, the other side will be arguing "music should be shared" "art should be shared" "music is passion" "musicians make too much money", but i would steer clear of even arguing the music aspect. argue it like you would argue someone shoplifting something.

Answer 4

There's a free and legal music sharing download system being launced in December called Spiralfrog. The basic concept is to just display ads relating to the music you choose to download.

Answer 5

yes its illegal because it is like piracy, but somehow it is partly legal, 'cause most of the proceeds are for charity.