You're right. We don't
need an excuse, but I'm of the opinion that you need to think about your reasoning for doing so. Not because of any laws or anything, but from an ethical standpoint.
I might be standing where I, well, stand, because I produce audio (both music and non-music) as well as articles and other journalistic products . I'm not really against a little copyright infringement here and there, as long it isn't commercial or is misused. I don't even mind if people use "my" music in smaller commercial productions. If they ask first and nicely, I will do my bit to persuade the artist to do it for free (I often get percentages of sale, not a lump sum, so I'm on par with the artist).
But, anyway, I don't think one should blindly download books, music, films, or on a much grander scale, much here in life without thinking about it, or without at least taking it up for revision once in a while.
I don't care much about what people end up deciding (about much), as long as they have made a conscious decision on the subject. I wish more people made more conscious decisions instead of following the herd while yelling at the top of their lungs "We're individuals! Look at us go!"
LOL, sorry, I'm tired and I'm finally finished exporting my audio project to four different formats
