blog.noetech.com

Copyright

The Economist has an article suggesting that we return to the original length for copyrights, 14 years renewable once. Good. They also suggest giving the content industries more legal backing for the copy-protection techs. Bad. The idea that the music and film industries are going to crumble because of piracy is just wrong. I can't tell you how wrong. The RIAA has been bitching that their sales have dropped, what 6% last year, and that piracy is to blame. Look at that for a second. The economy is dead. Everyone's sales are dropping. Certainly no one is claming that people are copying computers are they? No, people just aren't buying. And piracy? Well there will always be people who steal. This was true when we used LPs, 8 tracks, and cassettes. The casual pirate, which has increased with the technology, won't do it if there was a simple and reasonably price alternative. Buying whole CDs for 17.99 is ridiculous. These companies need to set up a downloadable option. And not one where you rent the songs like they have now. When I buy my music, I want to own it. If I decided not use your service anymore, I should still be able to use the songs that I've gotten. Now plenty of independent labels are seeing what the big guys don't. Take a look at emusic, and you'll see what can be done.