The issues of ownership, copyright, and regulations have become of major importance in relation to file-sharing by p2p (peer-to-peer) users. With the music industry in particular in a constant battle, since the development of the internet and MP3 files, against the 'pirates' and 'thieves' of the cyber world who 'rob' them of the money once earned in traditional CD sales. However, what is seen is injustice by one person, varies greatly from another. Many claim the industry is robbing them of musical creativity, and as a type of revenge against overpriced CDs, concert tickets and other media restrictions.
(Martin, Moore and Salter, 2010)
There are five methods used by the music industry to discourage file sharing;
- cover up the action
- devalue the target
- reinterpret what happened by, lying, minimising, blaming, framing
- use official channels to give an appearance of justice
- intimidate or bribe the people involved
(Martin, Moore and Salter, 2010)
Although all five are based upon the music industry using their power, money, and resources against individuals and smaller targets, I will focus on the tactic of 'covering up the action.'
Through the rise of Napster and other file-sharing outlets, the number of users grew world wide and the ways in which they operated, in order to avoid prosecution expanded as well.
Although Napster made it easier for users to share files and demonstrated the advantages of file-sharing, it also brought upon greater attacks from the music industry. Through the use of campaigns and ads, such as the first video clip I have included, users, every day normal people, are portrayed as criminals and thieves, which ties into the tactic of 'devaluing the target.' I remember as a kid I saw these clips every time I watched a movie and thought negatively about people who might be file-sharing. It wasn't until when I became older, had friends who did it regularly, and didn't really see much harm in it on a large scale, that my attitude towards file-sharing changed.
However, the music industry also covers up their actions. It would be a lot different if the expenses of the industry became more transparent to the public, such as their returns to artists, companies, and retail outlets. They also attempt to cover up their actions of tracking users or take the step of 'seeding' virus-infected copies of files, in an attempt to deter file-sharers.
The use of file-sharing, whether music, video, or otherwise, allows the media's to be shared globally with the click of a mouse. There is no need to wait for 'release dates' in your country when it is at your fingertips. These developments reflect the technological flows of globalisation and carries both pros and cons.
(Martin, Moore and Salter, 2010)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U3RE_NB0EA
Resources; Martin, B, Moore, C and Salter, C. 2010, ‘Sharing music files: tactics of a challenge to the industry’, First Monday, vol. 15, no. 12, [available:http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2986/2680].
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