Why is stealing music not seen as big of a crime?

Question

I find it ridiculous that stealing music with P2P software isn't stopped.

Why doesn't the government prosecute more individuals for stealing music?

I use P2P to download songs I already own. Songs that you sometimes can't buy from the artist anymore, but I own a legal copy of them.

I see it as a slap to the face when people go downloading tons and tons of music off limewire and other P2P programs and sites, and not having a legal copy of those songs.

The government shouldn't invade our privacy, but it should uphold its laws!

And even moreso, why do people come onto Y!A and ask for advice on how to get stolen goods? What program is the best for "free music". Do they not realize that it isn't free? It's stealing.

Hey Sweeet, I didn't say P2P is bad.

In fact, the way you described using P2P is legal and I actually said that that is a good way to use it.

But yes, I guess people are just too cheap and ignorant. But would you steal something from Wal-mart just because you FEEL they make too much money?

Because they do. They actually start making their providers go into debt so you can have your low low prices.

Answer 1

Because people don't think it's a serious crime if they can justify it.

See, it really doesn't matter to someone that it's against the law if they can feel like they are taking a stand against "The Man" and portray themselves as some 21st century Robin Hood.

The reality is they're too damn cheap to pay a buck for their songs, and so they look for a way to justify their behavior.

There's an old illustration for fraud that applies here: the fraud triangle. Basically, it says that a normally honest person will committ the crime when three conditions are met: Need, Opportunity, and the ability to Rationalize their actions.

So, the need is their desire to have more music. The opportunity is the file-sharing networks that make it easy and almost risk-free. And if they can rationalize it by saying "The RIAA are crooks" or "the artists make millions anyway, they don't need my money", then the triangle is complete.

Answer 2

I'm a musician. I also have consulted with many indie musicians on internet matters. While big acts have big companies, expensive lawyers, and technology companies to assist them in tracking down pirates, indies have other indies.

I have a few tunes which I allow people to download freely. I don't play for a living anymore, and I write to let people know my ideas, so that's cool.

However, the people I consult with do have to make their living at it, and they are seriously hurting due to downloading.

And the worst part of it, is that people who steal music, think it's ok to do so. "The internet is free" is a common response, but what about the people who write and sing these songs? How will it affect music if these creative people have to find other employment, becasue every time they produce intellectual product, it is stolen from them? How long will it be before the writers stop writing?

Answer 3

The record companies are not losing nearly as much as they say they are. People who illegally download wouldnt buy the music anyway. And the artist makes most of their money from touring. So they are not out much. Why should the goverment spend money because the record companies cant figure out how to make their music pirate proof? Would it be stealing to record the song off the radio like people used to do? I dont download because sites like limewire can bring your computer spyware and viruses. But I dont feel one bit sorry for the record companies.

Answer 4

Yeah nicely circulate top off your SUV and proceed to make contributions to thievery, why dont you experience a bike to artwork and instruct some conviction your self, sorry some people little people dont have mommy and daddy to purchase us our song, you wanna pontificate approximately substitute GET OUT and alter something, till then you definately at the instant are not any greater beneficial!

Answer 5

maybe at first it was something that needed addressing. but now it just seems to have gone to far. how many people do you know who have stolen/illigal copies of music? i can hardly think of one person who doesn't. It's a problem, your right, infact it's a HUGE problem. The music industrey and law have a lot of work and almost impossible circustances against them if they try to iraidcate illigal music.

great question btw!

Answer 6

The government doesn't enforce copyright laws. That is the job of the copyright holder. "Stealing" music is a civil offense, not a criminal offense. Only the music industry can file lawsuits against copyright infringers, not the govt.

Answer 7

It's difficult to find people who only download but don't distribute the music.

Lot's of people and groups who do distribute copyrighted material are being found and prosecuted when there is enough evidence.

Answer 8

It is a big deal. Did you hear about the mom who was charged thousands for taking 24 songs.

Besides, most of the artists don't even care about it, otherwise they would have taken a much bigger stand. Most of your $$ goes to the record companies so they can get richer.
And why should I pay money for a Beatles CD I lost years ago. Most of them are dead, iTunes doesn't have their songs, and I already paid for it.

So stop preaching.

Answer 9

For free billboards featuring indie artists try

http://www.newmusicbillboard.com