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To determine whether it's ethical or not, there is a very simple test: is it distributed the way the copyright holder intended it to be? If it is NOT, are you sure you're SUPPOSED to have it? It's really not a dilemma at all, esp. on something as trivial as music.

On paid sites like iTunes or such, the answer would be yes, since you can pay for them, one song at a time.

On P2P networks (eDonkey, Limewire, etc.), the answer would be likely be NO, since most of the content on there were NOT provided by copyright holders or their agents. In other words, the contents are likely illegal. And if you download them, you are participating in copyright violations, a civil crime, but a crime nonetheless.

If you answer: "I don't have any, I'll stop now", congratulations. Go download some really free music, like performances from South by Southwest.

If you answer: "I paid for it (as CD, from iTunes, whatever)", congratulations. Enjoy it.

If you answer: "I don't have any, but I don't care", well, let's just say it's a slippery slope all the way down, and you've taken one of your first steps.

Why did you say "I don't care?" Are you addicted to it? Why must you have it?

Is it just because you're not supposed to? Anti-authority? Are you still stuck at the stage where your mama feed you peas and you insist on "no pea"?

Is it just because it is "free"? You ever consider the "cost" to others by your actions? Or you don't care? Why are you so selfish? Cost cannot always be measured by money alone.

Also consider this: if you are willing to compromise your morals for so little (just a couple free songs). What will happen if you have a make a BIG decision? What is your price? Are you really that cheap?

Some points to ponder.

Learn more about this author, K. Charles.
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