I really liked the presentation about downloading music. In retrospect, I think I would have liked to research and present more about the ethical issues involved in sharing files. It is such an interesting topic with soooo many different sides of the story. It really got me thinking.

I thought it was really funny that one kid in the group had found a torrent for the book so that it wasn't necessary for him to purchase it. I liked that their presentation was brief and to-the-point. They talked about downloading vs copying cds, and the chances of getting caught. They also talked about itunes, one song sales, and store exclusive cd releases.

I don't know how I feel about downloading music illegally. I do think that the internet has made it much easier for artists to get their work seen (Lily Allen was discovered on Myspace!!!)- this is a good thing. I don't really use limewire or anything, but I am a frequent customer of itunes. I love being able to make single song purchases, and I don't really believe that they hurt the music industry. Physical cds are expensive (last time I bought a new release at Fred Meyer I think it was $16.99!) compared to itunes, and I have more control over what I buy. I think that if the RIAA or artists are mad, they need to do like the newspapers and evolve to make a product that is successful.

I also think it is ridiculous that the RIAA (I think it's them!) want to stop Pandora or make them pay royalties. I understand that they feel they are losing money, but I think that free services like Pandora help the RIAA and artists, because they introduce the public to new artists. Since David and I discovered Pandora, we've bought soooooo much music we've heard on there. If you haven't used Pandora, I suggest you check it out. You put in an artist or song you like, and it chooses songs that are musically similar. It creates a sort of radio station, based on your votes (yay or nay) on the songs. It gives you lots of new music to listen to and vote on. You can also create all kinds of radio stations, and I believe they only ask for your email address to register. Plus, it's free!

The bottom line is that I don't think anyone will ever be able to stop illegal downloads without grossly invading peoples' privacy (which I hope doesn't happen). It's also an issue that DRM (think that Sims game, Spore) really frustrates honest consumers. The music industry must do like the newspapers, and find a way to make their product better, more accessible, or whatever they need to do to make money. I talk a lot, however I have no idea as to how they should do this.