Modern Day Pirates: To Steal or Not To Steal?
These programs can be used for good, but often they are not. They are used to download music without paying, which is called pirating music.
It’s cheap, it’s easy, and in most peoples’ minds, it’s untraceable. The only problem is it is illegal.
You see, the music industry really does not like it when people steal CDs from stores, so obviously it’s not thrilled to hear about students using on-campus internet to download music illegally.
Every time you go to grab that new chart topper from Limewire or your program of choice, it is like you are pocketing a CD and carrying it straight out of Wal-Mart and sauntering right past those nice old greeters.
When asked about pirating music, freshman business major Elizabeth Lengel shared her thoughts.
“If it’s a really popular famous musician or group that has tons of money already then I don’t feel bad, but if they’re just starting and need the money, even a small price, then I feel guilty for not supporting them,” Lengel said.
Lengel shares her opinion with other students who feel that musicians already make more than enough money from concerts, appearances and sometimes even movie deals. They feel that not paying 99 cents will not make the artist go broke. Some even argue it’s free press for the artist since students often encourage their friends to keep up with music trends.
According to the Record Industry Association of America’s Web site, global music piracy causes $12.5 billion of losses each year. The RIAAs also claims over 70,000 U.S. jobs are lost. While these economic ramifications may not be that apparent, over time the losses add up and everyone loses.
Even if they feel it is not a crime, students should be wary. The RIAA has started targeting college students who download music illegally and are filing lawsuits. These lawsuits tend to be settled out of court, but not for cheap. The average settlement is $3,000.
Are you really willing to fork over three grand just for that new Miley Cyrus song? Is that oh so catchy tune “I Kissed a Girl” really worth that much to you?
Many people do not realize that GCSU can track down individuals and find out who is downloading music illegally.
The university only identifies students if the RIAA requests them to. They are not on a witch-hunt to find students who participate in music pirating.
“We don’t go looking for folks,” said James Carlisle, Director of Technology Information.
While GCSU is not actively pursuing students who use the free wireless network to download music without paying, the university does punish those who are caught.
Since most people do not feel right committing criminal acts, it’s a wonder as to why music pirating continues on campus.
Outdoor education major Allison Hughes voiced why she downloads music using peer-to-peer programs.
“I’m a poor college student. It’s so easy and right at my fingertips,” Hughes said.
Hughes is not alone. During a campus survey, nearly 80 percent of those surveyed had downloaded music without paying.
While an overwhelming number participate in pirating music, students were split on the morality of the issue. Nearly 57 percent saw no problem with downloading music illegally, whereas 43 percent felt it was wrong.
No one really knows why people feel that downloading music without paying is okay, but it continues to happen. It’s possible with the RIAA, and colleges cracking down on students. that pirating music may become a thing of the past, but until then, students will continue to get their Mariah Carey and Chris Brown without paying.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 10 2008. Filed under Features.
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