Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
So if they're not equally bad, is it the number of copies distributed that makes a difference?
How about this: I have bought various CDs from Amazon as gifts--shipped to me and then given, not sent direct to the recipients. When Amazon began its AutoRip program, they added mp3 versions of all these CDs to my account for downloading. Was I supposed to refuse to download and/or stream these mp3 files in order to be ethical? I wonder how many people have complained to Amazon that they have infringed copyright by providing illicit copies.
But I'm not talking about rare items necessarily; I'm talking about mass-produced items in a format that has become outdated. Maybe out of print and now unavailable for purchase in any form. Maybe of dubious monetary value now, but still--is one really supposed to just destroy it?
I just think that the issue is not as black and white as some would make it.
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Wow loads more questions.
Yes, I think that the number of copies does affect the seriousness of copyright infringement.
I have wondered about that myself. It may be that Amazon has some agreement with the music companies about this. I confess I haven't enquired.
I agree that, as in most things, there are grey areas and points for discussion. c.f. my comments about grains of sand.