Media Piracy

1377 Words3 Pages

Have you ever bought a CD, listened to it, and then wondered, “Why did I spend fifteen dollars on that?” There are two ways in which to answer that question. Either you concur and know how irritating such a situation could be, or you could be one of the many people today who simply omit purchasing music and download it straight from the Internet. It is fascinating what the Internet can do today. Just about anything can be done with the use of a computer. So, why should hard working people who want to enjoy the harmonies of their favorite bands have to trek to a store like “Best Buy” and purchase the dingy compact discs when they could get the same content for free and from the comfort of their home? Beside it being illegal, there isn’t a strong answer. But shouldn’t the musicians, producers, actors, and everyone involved in the production, distribution, and exhibition of this content be paid for their hard work? Yes, they absolutely should, and they are. Bands are able to reach a larger audience through illegal downloads which helps the media conglomerates in the long run. Before I used to download content from the Internet, I would have to wait for the T-train, pay two dollars to board, sit for ten minutes, walk to Newbury Comics, and purchase the CD I wanted. It was such a tedious process to get the CD that is now stowed away collecting dust in the depths my closet. There are stacks of CDs in my house, sitting idly, waiting for someone either to use them, or throw them away. A waste of time, space, and money, buying CDs is simply obsolete. When my brother started getting whole discographies, and albums that haven’t even hit the market yet, I was in disbelief. Now, the idea of spending fifty dollars on the “Nirvan... ... middle of paper ... ... be known. With online downloads, more people can be exposed to their music and the band can reach a wider audience and have greater potential to be successful. So, next time you hear “Friday” by Rebecca Black and feel inclined to purchase her CD, remember that there are more plausible ways to get the music you desire, and that flimsy piece of plastic that you spent 9.99 on will only be sitting on your shelf for years to come. Works Cited Greenblatt, Alan. "Future of the Music Industry." CQ Researcher 21 Nov. 2003: 989-1012. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. Silverthorne, Sean. "Illegal File Sharing Enhances the Future of the Music Industry." Harvard Business School Working Knowledge (21 June 2004). Rpt. in What Is the Future of the Music Industry? Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 25 Mar. 2011.

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