[andygrif]

Originally Posted by kronas

ok so if you had it your way i would not be able to download a track... ok in that case every CD i just bought over the past few months (with the exception of one) can all go back, and yes im buying no more CD's or using any legitimate means im not prepared to waste money on something that MAY turn out to be utter tosh!

you hear one song on some albums the rest can be drivel, i want to hear the rest before making a purchase.

It is nothing to do with me getting my way. I work in the music business, I know what goes into the production of the music, some of which by your own admission you have downloaded, some of those you don't also own on CD. If everyone did what you did - there would be no mainstream releases - period.

Originally Posted by kronas

i had a look in to a few they all wanted card details, im not prepared to go in to the hassle of canceling something after the trial expires.....

i know how some compaines work and im not willing to commit myself to a service like that.

iTunes Music Store is a FREE program, it's also a great way of keeping digital copies of the music you own. You do not have to put in any personal information whatsoever to hear quality previews of nearly 3/4 million songs.

Also Amazon offers tens of thousands of tracks for preview.

Also you can walk into ANY Virgin Megastore, walk up to the counter with any CD in the store and they will put it on a listening post for you.

Originally Posted by kronas

im sick of the pathetic analogys, this is diffarent the content is there, people either choose to use p2p or not its the persons choice some buy some dont, its a fact, learn to deal with facts and stick with the subject instead of using baseless analogys, each case has its merits, yes if you download and dont buy its wrong, however if you download and buy there is nothing wrong with that.

another CD sale, more money for the record company and artist.

Whilst it may not be as morally wrong to download a track illegally then go and buy it - firstly it is still under copyright laws a breach of copyright. Second, why do you keep the inferior digital files you downloaded if you've bought the CD?

The rules of the game are simple - you're not allowed to download unauthorised copies of music, videos, books, artistic work, whatever - however you try to justify your actions you're in breach of copyright. Peer to peer systems are not the way to find new music, and you do not have any rights whatsoever to download music from such sources, even going on to buy the album later is no justification under the laws of copyright. And let me remind you that the rules on copyright are governed by the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act (I think I have got them in the right order) and not the RIAA, which isn't even based in this country.

I also don't believe, Kronas, that you don't possess illegal copies of music on your system. You're telling me you delete EVERY track that isn't on a CD you don't buy? Pull the other one!

Originally Posted by scastle

In answer to everyone else: Have you ever taped anything from the Radio or TV because, although tolerated, I think that is still counted as theft?

There is provision in the act for personal limited time use of VCRs for taping stuff of the TV. I can't remember how long you're allowed to keep them for now, it's either 30 days or 90 days - something like that.

Originally Posted by scastle

Actually, I looked up the copyright act a while back, and as I understand it, but downloading music isn't actually considered theft, but is considered to be recieving stolen goods. It's still illegal, so I am just being picky.

You may be right, but I have never heard of this. Whilst counterfeiting is a criminal offence, copyright infringement is a civil offence - downloading music from unuthorised sources is infringement of copyright - and would leave you open to being sued by the IFPI or BPI, as well as MCPS (MCPS handles the mechanical copyright on behalf of the music publishers).