Results so far:
| Yes | 57% | 796 votes | Total: 1404 votes | |
| No | 43% | 608 votes |
While downloading may well have an impact on royalty income for artists it is not unethical to do it. Listening to downloaded music may be similar to listening to a pirate radio station. The loss of royalties to the record label, and from there onto the artist, are compensated for by the increased recognition that the airplay provides for them. This recognition leads to further purchases and income.
For new, upcoming bands it helps to make them known because people are more likely to give them a chance if there is no initial outlay.
It is true that established, successful bands may be losing out on royalties and obviously the record labels would prefer to have the money as well as the airplay but it is hardly unethical (ie immoral) to deprive them of that. For example, the accumulation of vast wealth through the promotion of a drug-using, misogynist lifestyle may be considered to raise greater moral questions than the downloading of a music file.
Downloading has created a boom in the entertainment and computer sectors. MP3 players, which allow people to carry their music around and listen to it anywhere, have created a demand for music files to fill that space. Downloading has rushed in to fill that vacuum. Downloading has increased the demand for faster computers and faster broadband connections which has led to a need for increased storage capacity. The popularity of MP3 is leading to the development of music playing mobile phones which everyone will want to buy even though they'll cost a packet.
If all of this new technology is leading to problems with the way that the old royalty system worked then maybe it should be revised. Perhaps those sectors who are doing so well from the technological boom which is being led by music files could devise a system to compensate the artists who create this loss-leader for them? Would that not be more ethical than squeezing every possible penny from the music-loving public?
Learn more about this author, Sean McGoldrick.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
by Ben Deutsch
Well, maybe the answer should be "downloading music can be done in an ethical way". It can also be done in a greedy and
For years the consumer has been hung out to dry by the greedy record companies. In my lifetime, I have spent many many thousands
Add your voice
Know something about Music piracy: Is downloading music ethical??
We want to hear your view.
Write now!
Featured Partner
International Human Rights Group
IHRG Mission Statement: Standing for Religious Liberties for All We believe that religious liberties are the fo...more
hide