Internet "Pirating"

We've all seen that rediculous commercial before movies... Would you steal an old ladies purse?? Would you rob a liquor store?? Would you hi-jack a car and go on a homocidal rampage?? Than why would would you illigally download music off the internet? Since 1999, internet file sharing sites such as Napster, and Kazaa have been providing ways for people to search, and download their favorite music and movies instantly. In 2000, A&M records and several other companies sued Napster for copy right infringements, and won. Almost every file sharing website since has been enforcing membership fees, to help provide musicians and record labels with their share of the money. Itunes is one of the most popular music downloading sites on the internet, with nearly 2 million songs downloaded daily. There are however, still websites that offer free downloads that have not been sued yet, such as Limewire. Free services such as Limewire make up almost 80% of the downloaded music daily. There are also many controversial arguements of whether file sharing is morally acceptable or not. Technically online pirating is stealing, but in a far less harmless way. The songs that are being downloaded, are coming from someone who bought the CD, and all though it may take away from some sales, it is almost like a form of advertising. Some researchers say that file sharing has helped smaller groups to get noticed, which in turn give them a larger platform, bringing them more money.Many people also do not know that dvd sales have actually risen 10%, and dispite a terrible blockbuster year, the box office was only down 1 %. Whether or not it takes away from the profit artists and record labels should be making, you have to question whether or not they really need it. Weird Al's "Dont Download this Song" takes a humerous, yet serious look at online pirating.