Controversy: P2P...

Discrepancy of opinion is continually being exposed as the main focal point within the internet calamity that is P2P (peer to peer) file sharing. Though most platforms of mass media are routinely downloaded illegally, the illegal downloading of music is the only category that bolsters arguments regarding integrity.

P2P downloading is becoming a popular method of media theft among the more competent internet community. In this, the most sought after media files are certainly music. The illegal file sharing of music was once unanimously considered detrimental to the music society and the artists, but since the process continued and was never fully ceased, more and more scrutiny is presenting itself as to whether or not the result is as harmful as people think. The increase in music downloads has culminated into a greater demand for music uploads, and seeders (file distributors) have certainly met this demand. As greater number of people download, the arguments have shifted toward the idea of free music distribution, and it is not simply the public that feels this concept is agreeable. Artists and musicians are beginning to realize that illegal downloading is becoming a great way for new music releases to garner more notoriety at a much quicker pace. This concept is the basic objective of the internet: instant access. Though numerous lawsuits have been issued due to this controversy, people are showing no sign of giving up file sharing. In the past, the majority of people voiced their concern with illegal music downloading, but, since the results have not clearly presented themselves as expected, the Web community is now beginning to embrace this opportunity.

Aspiring musicians and bands especially enjoy file sharing for both its effectiveness in amassing popularity and its ideal design to reach a limitless audience, though, this viewpoint is not specified to developing musicians. Artists that have already maintained a proven status in the music scene have not gone without making their opinions noted. For instance, Radiohead, a still very popular band that peaked in popularity in the mid-90s, released their seventh studio album, In Rainbows, in 2006 as a free music download. For timeliness sake, Eminem’s new album, Recovery, has been one of the top illegally downloaded albums since its release on June 21. The album has also been the number one selling album since its release as well. Eminem has maintained the number-one-seller status in the debut week for six consecutive releases. This has not been done since the Beatles, and Eminem’s entire career has been immersed in the world of illegal file sharing.

On the other side of this spectrum still lie those that are against P2P file sharing, and those that tolerate it. These two are best kept together, since they have become few and far between. The illegal downloading of music is in no way innocent. It is illegal for a reason. Mostly, file sharing affects the record companies, production companies, and music stores. While artists still have the ability to obtain revenue from live performances, music businesses have no other means of profit other than album sales. Companies are constantly looking for alternative methods of production. Since the reemergence of popularity in the 12-inch vinyl record, artists have begun issuing and reissuing new and old albums alike in the vinyl format. As people begin to buy into this and invest in new, auxiliary-cable friendly record players, vinyl sales are starting to make up to 50 percent of a store’s total revenue. The power of nostalgia is truly great.

Accordingly, the industry has not been hit hard by lack of sales. People are still buying CDs and vinyls, including the individuals that download them. But it is still important to maintain a cautious eye over the entire process of P2P. The controversy over file sharing is not going to end any time soon. Though it seems that, as a majority, we have fallen to an opposite stance on the issue in comparison to a few years ago, it could be that we have not seen the legalities that were promised. Take notice, because these could be coming very soon.


Below is an interview with Jarrod Church, assistant manager at Hastings Entertainment in Norman, Oklahoma. In this clip, he talks about the effects of illegal music downloading and how it affects his store. I will later post the interview in its entirety in which he addresses album sells versus vinyl sells, the future of the music business, the need for oversight into peer to peer downloading, and complete thoughts on file sharing with complete commentary. Very interesting stuff.