Pirated? Music

[Piney_Woods]

This is an excellent question. It seems many would have to say the Catholic Church is the biggest thief of all time with its centuries of copying of books, even if by hand. I’m not an attorney but it seems to me she would also be guilty under RICO.

No, because these copyright laws were nonexistent when the monks were laboring in the scriptoriums.

 

[exnihilo]

No, because these copyright laws were nonexistent when the monks were laboring in the scriptoriums.

Well that was exactly my point. It isn’t theft to violate copyright law. It is simply violating a law. That law that allows people, but especially corporations, to control an idea for over a century.

 

[WT1]

Well that was exactly my point. It isn’t theft to violate copyright law. It is simply violating a law. That law that allows people, but especially corporations, to control an idea for over a century.

If something is open domain you are free to copy the content as much as you like and profit from it.

 

[user1234]

Here is an idea for the OP and those who think it’s no big deal.

Why don’t you ask the library if it’s ok for you to copy the music.

Then go to the studio that produces it. Let them know your information and your intention.

If you are unwilling to do that, why?

Probably the same reason you came here to ask. You know it’s wrong but are hoping for some sort of justification.

Hold it. I didn’t think it’s no big deal. I just had no idea.

 

[Piney_Woods]

Well that was exactly my point. It isn’t theft to violate copyright law. It is simply violating a law. That law that allows people, but especially corporations, to control an idea for over a century.

“It is simply violating a law,” yes. Have you watched “A Man for All Seasons” lately?

 

[Tim_D]

Well that was exactly my point. It isn’t theft to violate copyright law. It is simply violating a law. That law that allows people, but especially corporations, to control an idea for over a century.

Precisely.

No one here will address my question as to whom a theft has occurred and just what, exactly, was was stolen that makes unauthorized copying a crime.

George Gershwin died in 1937. His brother and lyricist, Ira, died in 1983. Why does the Gershwin family today, who are nephews and nieces of George and Ira, continue to exercise control over songs that were written by their uncles over 79 years ago, none of whom were even alive at the time?

The other question is, why are lobbyist for the record industry and authors/songwriters so successful in having legislation extend copyright protections?

 

[Tim_D]

If something is open domain you are free to copy the content as much as you like and profit from it.

The whole point of this thread was about copying withOUT monetary gain.

 

[Tim_D]

“It is simply violating a law,” yes. Have you watched “A Man for All Seasons” lately?

Are you comparing standing up against tyranny that demands an abandonment of the Catholic faith, the pope and all that the Church possesses as being comparable to making a copy of the Best of Sonny & Cher that you got from the library?

That’s silly.

 

[Piney_Woods]

Are you comparing standing up against tyranny that demands an abandonment of the Catholic faith, the pope and all that the Church possesses as being comparable to making a copy of the Best of Sonny & Cher that you got from the library?

That’s silly.

No, I am referring to having respect for laws that are not inherently unjust. The Gershwin family benefiting from the musical compositions of their ancestors is not harming anyone.
I think there is at least a whiff of injustice, though, in enjoying a piece of music enough that you would like to have a personal copy but doing so in a way that deprives the creators, producers, etc. of that piece of music any compensation for their work. Again, the laborer is worthy of his wages. And, again, if you don’t want to pay for music, listen to the radio or, better yet, make your own.

 

[LisaB]

Well that was exactly my point. It isn’t theft to violate copyright law. It is simply violating a law. That law that allows people, but especially corporations, to control an idea for over a century.

Those who believe the law to be outdated or unfair can work to have it updated or changed. Until then, we are bound to obey just laws, even if they don’t make sense to us. What we cannot do is take the law into our own hands and pick and choose which laws we’ll obey and which we won’t.