File sharing is a touchy subject for most people. Many Internet users have downloaded something from the Internet illegally, whether it be a song, a program or even a picture from Google Images. All three are breaking copyright laws, yet music has been the primary target in the file sharing debate. The RIAA sees all forms of file sharing as illegal, but many users have a different distinction for what they consider fair and unfair.
I think that file sharing should be taken on a case by case basis. Downloading songs from a recording artist (no matter if they are famous or not) without permission from them is stealing. If it doesn't belong to you, don't take it. Many argue that recording artists aren't seeing most of that money or they're wealthy enough anyway. This is the equivalent to stealing a CD from a store. Besides, who is one to judge how much money someone should or shouldn't have? People should not take it upon themselves to be the arbitrator of wealth. However, if an artist makes an album available online for free (The Decemberists leaked their own album on bitTorrent for example) then it is legal. I think that it should also be legal to download songs if you already have the album. For example, if I had LPs and vinyls, should I buy another copy of the album so I can have it on an mp3 player?, I think that if I were to download digital copies of those songs, it shouldn't be punishable.
Another excuse that downloaders use is "try before you buy." Many of my friends download songs just to "see if they like the artist." This is unnecessary because most recording artists have a couple free downloads on their website, have streaming capabilities (some even make their entire albums available), or videos on youtube. If you can legally download some songs or listen to them, do you really need to download more just to "see if you like it." Most of my friends don't end up buying the albums anyway.
The last ethical dilemma in file sharing is uploading and making music available to people. Once you buy a CD, the RIAA states that you don't own the music, which I can understand. Lending a CD to someone so they can rip it to their computer is illegal, same with putting music files online for other to download (whether it be a few friends or everyone in limewire). However, I think a distinction should be made between people who let a friend copy a CD and those who upload torrents. The audience is much bigger, and each of those people who download it can in turn upload it to more people. People have been copying music from each other for decades, it is impossible to track down everyone who has ever copied a tape or CD.
In short, file sharing is not a black and white issue. Simple rules cannot be laid out for it. Each case has to be carefully examined and punishment should be based on each unique scenario. Also, I think it's costing the RIAA and major record labels more in legal fees than actual money they've been receiving from those they are suing. I think that the taboo on file sharing will pass eventually, like all new technological threats.
