“Digital piracy caused a drop in worldwide record sales, according to a report conducted by a trade association that represents the biggest record companies in the world.” Dah, we all know what the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and RIAA think of file-sharing and MP3s.
“But critics of the recording industry say that by treating their consumers as thieves — oftentimes before any legitimate business alternative was offered — millions of people have turned their backs on the music industry. They have voted with their computers — flocking to technologies that allow them to download music whenever they want, move it into any portable device, and share it with their friends. When Napster was shut down, millions instantly migrated to systems such as Gnutella, Kazaa, AudioGalaxy and Morpheus. Billions of files continue to be traded, despite four online music services that are commercially available.” Yes, we could all say “dah” here, too. But have you all noticed the increase in media coverage against the major labels’ actions? Finally!
Best here is one of the best comments yet: “Many feel the music industry is using the lag in CD sales to push for restrictive measures that would ultimately give big business control over how consumers can listen, watch and store their digital media.”
Enough said. Click here if you want to read the entire article at Wired.com.
