So whats the difference between buying used copies of music

[catmandu57]

or selling, used copies in whatever form, cd's, records, tapes, at used music shops, garage sales etc.. and downloading music from the net?
After all, if I buy a copy of an artists work it is mine to do what I want with, I can listen to it once and throw it out the window. I can keep it forever gathering dust in my collection. I can give it away when and to whom I feel like giving it to.
The riaa claims that downloading music hurts their sales, if that's the case, they had better shut down every used music shop in the country, go to every garage sale to make sure no one else is making money from selling used music, and they better damn well start putting a better product out.
I've bought thousands of tapes, records, cd's over the course of my life, some new some I got used. I've also sold and given away music I didn't want anymore.
The same with books, is the book publishing industry coming after me next? I think it's pure and simple greed, encouraged by these idiots in power.
I also think if they're going to sue 270 people then they better file millions of additional suits.

[MissMillie]

1. I think a valid argument could be made

That music, much like literature, is intellectual property. Don't you?

[onehandle]

2. The record industry doesn't like used CDs either...

Or tapes and records. They tried to stop several chain music stores from re-selling used CD a while back. If they could stop you from playing a record for a friend, they would.

[trogdor]

3. They raised holy hell with Amazon not too long ago.

They backed off when Amazon called their bluff, and suggested they might not carry their new stuff any longer.

Actually, I think this was a certain book publisher.

[catmandu57]

4. Kind of pretzel logic isn't it?

they want to sell music, but they don't want you to do anything with it.

[qb]

5. One big difference

is that a used tape, cd, whatever is still the original copy that was bought & paid for. Downloaded music distributes thousands of free copies.

I'm not defending the recording industry - I think their action (or lack of it until recently) has made them anachronistic. Their whining and bullying lawsuits will only generate more loathing towards them and further eliminate any moral inhibitions music lovers may have had regarding illegally copying music.

[supernova]

6. Difference is volume

I think.

I think the recording industry has always given a wink and a nod to bootleg tape traders, afterall it's good publicity. Dylan and Dead fans traded underground tapes of music (concerts mostly) for years and none of the record execs paid any attention. I mean people who purchased bootlegged tapes of concerts didn't pay for a ticket to see the show, now did they?

The internet allows this same trading to go on on a more massive scale, that's all. So NOW the RIAA decides it's offended. :eyes: They truely are biting the hand that feeds.