The 10 "Inconvienient Truths" of File Sharing

54mc writes "The IFPI, an international recording industry organization, has released a list of Ten "Inconvenient Truths" of file sharing. Though the group has a vested interest, it's still an interesting read as it tears apart some of the most common arguments in favor of file sharing. Ars Technica follows up with a more thorough explanation of some of the points. 'Point five is an attempt to turn the "innovation" argument on its head. For years, pundits outside the music industry have accused labels of pandering to teens through boy bands and "manufactured" celebrities instead of being concerned with finding, producing, and releasing art. The IFPI suggests that the labels could (and would) be doing exactly that if file-swapping went away. And then there's point seven, which isn't an "inconvenient truth" at all but more of a rant against those who prefer giving copyright holders less than absolute control over reproduction rights. An "anti-copyright movement" does exist, but most of the critical voices in the debate recognize the value of copyright--and actually produce copyrighted works themselves (Lawrence Lessig, etc.).'"

Re:Wrong answer. What's the real reason?

[websitebroke]

Well, a lot of teenagers actually have jobs, and the money is theirs to spend as they see fit. Sure, they're wasting it on crappy music, but it's their hard-earned cash that they're spending.

Re:Downloading.

[Klaus_1250]

I recently downloaded a movie and it took me a only a few hours. I don't feel an inch of guilt about it, since I ordered the DVD two months (!)ago and am still waiting. The only reason I haven't canceled my order is because I'm really curious to see how long it will take and I would feel guilty towards the director/writer/actors/crew etc.

Re:file sharing is "wrong"

[trytoguess]

Irrelevant, I too want to change copyright laws but simply stating well my morals say infringing is a'ok gets you nowhere, you have to consider and hopefully change the laws. For starters you probably want to change the minds of people who's morals agree with those laws.

Re:Wrong answer. What's the real reason?

[Marxist Hacker 42]

What did it take to make them start producing "manufactured celebrities"? As far as I can tell, they were the norm before file sharing became widespread, so it must be something other than file sharing that induces this manufacturing.

In fact, near as I can tell manufactured celebrities were the norm *before* computer networks existed outside of the educational laboratories. I seem to even remember a Brady Bunch episode about the subject- from what, 1972?

Re:Wrong answer. What's the real reason?

[Planesdragon]

what does an 8 year old need a cell phone for?

To call mommy or daddy without talking to a stranger.

To call 9-1-1 when they are in danger.

For mommy or daddy to call them when they are lost in the mall.

Any child old enough to use a telephone is old enough to use a cell phone. And any parent with the means to provide their child a cell phone should. And those cell phones should be locked down to reference only a few numbers.