Issue Background
Traditionally, selling copies of recorded music has been one source of revenue for music creators and producers. With the continuing development of computer and internet technology, it has become increasingly to copy and distribute digital recordings. Some content providers have been combating this by bringing suit against those making unauthorized copies, or working with internet service providers to cut off internet service to those who have been caught uploading unauthorized copies of digital works. Other providers see developing file-sharing technology as a means to more effectively use word-of-mouth advertising to spread works to a larger audience. Does filesharing hurt the music industry by undercutting a revenue stream? Should legal actions be taken to combat either the development of or the growing use of file-sharing technology insofar as music distribution is concerned?
Key Arguments
» Yes
- If it is available for free, people will not pay for it
Expanded Argument
- The availability of free, albeit illegal, sources of digital music may undercut sales from consumers who might have otherwise purchased the tracks.
» No
- Developing technologies encourage innovation and should not be suppressed to preserve a particular business model
Expanded Argument
- Developing technologies bring about change to an economy and a marketplace. Computers and word processor have made typewriters obsolete. The printing press changed the face of media distribution. File-sharing technology, as well as advances in studio recording technology, changes the face of digital media distribution.
Revenue within the music industry is still possible through, for example, providing convenience and quality content, through live performances, through advertisement, through merchandise & additional content, and through fan contributions. We should not attempt to enact unnecessary legislation to preserve an existing industry model; instead, we should encourage the development of new technologies that promote continued innovation.
- File sharing can benefit smaller artists and encourage competition amongst artists
Expanded Argument
- As online file distribution becomes more accessible, it becomes easier and cheaper to produce and distribute music. This can benefit smaller, independent artists who are not able to allocate large marketing or production budgets. At the same time, it will put more competitive pressure both on smaller and larger artists to continue to draw a captive audience. There is evidence to suggest that current file sharing trends have benefited sales for lower-volume artists, while finding small, often statistically insignificant, detriments to sale from larger-volume artists [1].
