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The argument for and against file sharing of music on the Internet is a volatile one. Major record companies argue that individuals who download and share music over the Internet are creating a detriment to the industry whereas users of such Internet sites believe theses practices actually promote creativity and business in the music industry.
The RIAA have claimed that Internet file sharing and piracy is responsible for a 15 percent drop in music sales in the past two years (Zapf. 2005). However in studies conducted by Forrester research, through surveys of 1,000 online consumers, displayed that there is no evidence of decreased CD buying among frequent digital music consumers, instead the decrease may be due to a number of other factors including economic recession and competition from video game and DVD sales (Zapf. 2005).
Bricklin states that the reported dip in CD sales does not correlate with the arguments given by the recording industry. He believes the reasons given should indicate a much larger drop, indicating that the effect of downloading, burning, and sharing is one of the few bright lights helping the music industry with their most loyal customers (http://www.bricklin.com/recordsales.htm. Accessed October 12, 2005).
To ensure profits the major labels' require a steady stream of consistent products, this in turn creates music trends or fashions for specific radio formats and scientifically honed to hit-making models with new artists being signed and promoted based not solely on creativity or talent but on the opinions of individual A&R executives (http://www.downhillbattle.org/reasons/. Accessed October 12, 2005).
It has also been argued that the development of the Internet as a virtual “music showroom�? has allowed artists to be freer in their expression, not being forced to comply with the goals and market targets of the record labels (http://www.downhillbattle.org/diversity.html. Accessed October 12, 2005).
Arguments have also been raised over the control a record company has over the artist. In the production of a record the label picks the producer of the album, have the power over release dates, own the copyright to each song and control the final product., Zapf argues that the availability of the Internet and file sharing allows artists to produce and distribute their own material cheaply and with their own creative freedom (2005)
The Record industry has also argued that the artist will suffer due to file sharing and Internet downloading. Users have rebuffed this argument stating that major label artists only get a 5-10% share of royalties once sales have reached over 500,000 units whereas independent musicians can get a bigger cut but their material does not reach a large audience (http://www.negativland.com/albini.html, 2005). Independent producers have argued that the global appeal of the Internet will allow musicians to reach a wider audience than ever before, in turn increasing business and allowing the artist to profit from their craft (http://www.negativland.com/albini.html, 2005).
One major argument from users of music downloading is that music available on the Internet may actually increase CD sales. Some users believe that file sharing allows people to learn about new musicians from friends, and sampling their songs through downloads and other means of sharing. Once an interest has been created consumers will then seek out the musician’s CDs for purchase (Bricklin. 2002).
Gavin Mathieson 21:27, 19 Oct 2005 (EST)
