Music/Video Pirating

It's something that happens a lot today. But I'm not gonna lie - I'm not completely innocent myself. I used to use programs like Limewire and Bittorrent to download files off the P2P and Gnutella networks that I didn't own. But I deleted these, not just because of the law, but because of Christianity.

And that is a major factor of Christianity that many people tend not to recognize - it raises people beyond a legal standard to a moral one. And only if everyone followed that standard perfectly! But it was because we are never up to the proper standards that Jesus Christ died on the cross for us. And why is this even illegal or immoral, you're just getting it for free, "sharing"?

Well, you see, when you buy a CD, or a record, or a DVD or WHATEVER, you are buying one (1) ONE, that's right only uno, copy of certain rights towards that music. That's why music artists sell multiple CDs, because if music rights are being used at more than place then that is in violation of the law. You can put the music on your computer, or make a back up copy and store it away somewhere, as long as:

1) The music is not in possession of another individual.

2) The music is not being played simultaneously at multiple locations.

So, if it's illegal, if it's taking music from artists, and taking their art and making copies and giving them away, isn't that stealing their profits? The internet has DESTROYED the music industry! It's like what's happening to the auto industry and the huge problems in Detroit, Michigan right now. There is unfair competition from foreign countries with pricing and cutting wages is not what our country needs right now. The internet is the music industry's unfair competition, and when you download that .torrent file, you are helping destroy the artist's livelihood.

So, why aren't the programs and files illegal? THERE ARE LEGAL PURPOSES ... these programs were founded upon the basis of legal usage, like sharing a video without the viewing platform of YouTube. But that doesn't mean artist's work should be completely removed from P2P programs. If you have a tape, or a record, and there isn't exactly a way to put it on the computer (it won't run in your CD drive, even if you manage to stuff it in there), since you own the rights needed, you can download the music onto your computer with one of these programs. But remember, you should always keep the original vinyl/tape or whatever as proof of your rights.

Got Limewire? Cool. It's not illegal or immoral. But you can use it as that. So delete all your pirated, stolen files, and go out and buy the CD or the record. I usually prefer the record album because it has the best audio quality possible, but that's another discussion. And remember: people's livelihood is on the line. And as Jesus Christ looks upon you, as always, with love, let you show no sin in God's eyes,

Sincerely,

Ezra