File Sharing Ethics

by Arnoldi Bill

Since the invention of the internet, people have used to share files. whether music, movies, video games and other copyright and not the electronic reproduction rights. This has raised interesting ethical questions. The debate on file sharing is legal and the right one of the most important issues dealing with the Internet right now, and has generated numerous lawsuits. Some of these lawsuits have even reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Today would be looking on both sides of the coin, the case for file sharing and the case against file sharing. You can decide youre going to side with argument. And we hope that reading this article you'll be informed enough to make a decision.

For the case

Many people who do not share files on the Internet believe that it does no harm to anyone, and in fact contributes to the industry whos files are shared. They believe it allows consumers to sample products before purchasing the product, thereby gaining exposure to the artist they wouldnt normally have access. Theres also the question of the quality of the file, as most files are compressed and exchanged also true of the quality original content. That and the fact that most of the time you can not get the documentation as an instruction manual or a bonus DVD, which forces you to go buy the original, if these materials are of interest to you. Another argument in favor of file sharing is that some people believe that CDs are too expensive, and consumers who want one or two songs should not have to pay the full cost of a CD. More than any other justification for file sharing is that companies whose intellectual property is in flight are large and generate high profits, and can therefore afford the price of a copy being obtained illegally.

The Case Against

The case against file sharing is fairly simple. Some people believe that music and other files that are downloaded are the work of the artist who made them, and is not a public good. When people share files, share a song that someone can be downloaded by another person and shared by them, then two copies can be shared and the process repeats to effectively create thousands of digital copies of a song from the original file. Thus, the group recorded the song is not paid for any of the thousands of illegal copies that were made. They believe that the domino effect of file sharing on the line and eventually affecting the salaries of all those involved in the production of media in question.

So, ultimately, the decision to share or download files online is yours. Please be aware that now downloading and file sharing is illegal and you can be prosecuted. That said, most people who share files are not prosecuted, and it seems that the government is seeking closer to the actual file-sharing networks (P2P) instead of just users. The most notable case was when the Recording Industries Napster back in 2001, and since they continue to pursue the P2P networks.

Jason Cole and DiskFaktory Jams offer free downloadable music videos and free hosting for musicians. Get the information you need now by visiting DFJams.com.

About the author

Jason Cole and DiskFaktory Jams offer free downloadable music videos and free hosting for musicians. Get the information you need now by visiting DFJams.com.