So many people download music (mp3’s) off the net today. Most of them don’t consider it to be committing a crime. Yes its true, the piracy of music is a crime. Not too big of a surprise you’ve probably heard about lawsuits on the news and in the papers. The question is “Why is it a crime?” The artists and record companies think that you are steeling their property. However the common record buyer like me feels robed by the record labels because they cost so much.
The part that bothers me is that the artists who are complaining are the richest most well know artists there. Metallic for example, (a band who I am quite fond of) were one of the main people who were suing Napster. Everybody knows who Metallic is. For an average 14-20 year old to buy a $20 CD that contains 4-5 songs that you like on it is a big deal.
On the other hand, I feel for the artists who are less popular. I my self make some music in my spare time. I could not imagine making a living off my music. Probably because no label, radio, or person I have never met has heard of me. However, the artists who are less popular and less heard from need and deserve the money. Its not easy to get popular, and you certainty don’t do it by being poor. So next time you download a song, think, “Will this band really be hurt by my downloading this song?” If so I can guarantee you that in a few years if you buy their CD, you’ll be able to rip them off without a feeling of guilt.
