Thinking about...File-Sharing
As a result of our modern, technologized and globalised era based on the sharing of information cross-culturally, ethical issues have arose and have been widely debated. This can be particularly noted in regards to file-sharing, piracy, copying and the notion of the current ‘remix’ culture. The development of the Internet and MP3s have created an easily adopted mode of distribution, making it easier for users to upload and download files from a network of other users alike (Martin, B, Moore, C and Salter, C. 2010). Music is being shared via the net amongst many internet users, almost diminishing the need for people to purchase CD’s and online tracks. This issue has provoked controversy amongst the public and major organisations involved. Consequently, powerful perpetrators commonly use many different tactics to inhibit outrage.
One tactic used is the Devaluation versus validation tactic which outlines how powerful perpetrators try to devalue targets by applying derogatory labels to them, disseminating discrediting information or setting them up in compromising situations (Martin, B, Moore, C and Salter, C. 2010). The music industry in particular have labelled file-sharers as thieves and criminals, seeking to emphasise the illegality of the act. In my opinion, this tactic may not be particularly valid in regards for this issue due to my personal experiences and exposure to media coverage.
I find it interesting to read about multiple cases of people being sued for downloading music illegally. Major organisations paint an image of file-sharers as criminals and pirates, instantly providing a false connotation of a muscular, fully-tattooed, bearded man smoking in a dark room as he hits “download” over and over again. Maybe you even pictured his evil laugh, followed by a serious of harsh smoker’s coughs. However, this stigma certainly doesn’t match the description of 12-year old girl, Brianna LaHara, who was sued for downloading music illegally (NYPost, Sept 2003). When the music industry cracked down on file-swappers, LaHara was one of those random perpetrators that were targeted. The image of such a sweet, innocent child characterised as a criminal seems almost incomprehensible. Cary Sherman of the Recording Industry Association of America believed the actions were necessary in order to target file-sharers, “…when your product is being regularly stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action" (NYPost, Sept 2009).
When people hear or read stories of these cases, the image of a “criminal” may not be extremely fitting. They may know, or be a file-sharer themselves, disregarding their activity as anything but fairness in leisure. Therefore, the Devaluation versus validation tactic may not be extremely persuasive in convincing people that sweet, studious Brianna LaHara is deserving of being associated with a criminal. For one, she doesn’t have a beard.
Sources:
NYPost, 2009, ’12-Year-Old Sued for
Downloading Music’, 9th of September, retrieved August 6th
2013, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2003/09/09/12-year-old-sued-for-music-downloading/
Martin,
B, Moore, C, Salter, C, 2010, ‘Sharing music files: tactics of a challenge to
the industry’, First Monday, vol. 15, no. 12
‘Piracy, It’s a crime’, video, Dec 4th 2007, retrieved
August 6th 2013, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmZm8vNHBSU
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteSolid blog post! The quotes you have pulled out from Martin, B, Moore, C and Salter, C. 2010 are really strong and the case study of Brianna LaHara definitely has added some credibility to your post. In addition to this however, I really enjoyed how you also incorporated some witty humour and story-telling in your writing so it’s more excitable to read. I know it’s a difficult topic to discuss in a public forum but it would be interesting to see you elaborate on where you have said, “due to my personal experiences and exposure to media coverage” to add some specific examples of how devaluation versus validation has affected you. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
I enjoy the example you have used to support and demonstrate how ridiculous the tactic used by media and music industries on the devaluation vs validation tactic, as they try and shame and defame everyday users into appearing to be criminals, when as you said, they may just be negligent and not even realise they are breaking any copyright laws.
ReplyDeleteI personally feel that file sharing is not the word thing we could do as human beings, and find it ridiculous the way they sensationalise and market their campaigns to try and stop file sharing from occurring. The video campaign which you posted, which you always see every time before you watch a movie deters me from wanting to listen to them, rather than encouraging me, as Martin states in his article 'Sharing music files'. Making me feel like I'm a criminal doesn't scare me off, or intimidate me to stop, it merely makes me frustrated that they use such techniques, and accuse me and others of being criminals, when perhaps we're not, and we don't have any intent to be one.
Thanks for your post.
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. You have used a great range of quotes from the readings to help support your arguments. You have emphasised that file sharing is a big issue for the music industry and you have supported this with a great use of criminal cases. It makes people think twice about being part of this file-sharing world. However, I don't feel that file sharing is too bad. Artists still make their money back in different ways. Maybe, I'm not too fussed about file sharing because I part of a generation that uses it so regularly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a very informative post.
Great read! You have addressed this weeks topic effectively, supporting your argument with some great quotes from Martin, Moore and Salter. The case involving Brianna was really effective and was interesting to see you have done some solid research in order to with hold your point of view. I also enjoyed your sense of humour within the blog, it allowed it to be easily read whilst enjoyable at the same time. Some more insight into your own personal experiences would have also added more influence to your blog!
ReplyDeleteWell done though :)
i completely agree with everything you are writing. to label people as thieves and committing crimes, it must mean almost everyone is a criminal! i think it depends on how much file sharing you do these days, since so many people are now doing it. i think that the biggest culprits should be punished. i also love the video you added. such a common video, yet so important to our music and video industries.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and I like the connection you make particularly relating to file sharing, internet, etc. and the examples that you’ve provided emphasise the radical but at the same time the ethical issue re file sharing
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, I have a different perspective to ethical issues – file sharing. Due to the global demand, ethical issue should longer exist, especially because many software are free. File-sharing is not something that we, human kind could do to prevent and or stop from occurring. Like you’ve said, it is because of file sharing, we have the privilege/opportunity to share many things, for example music: upload and or download music from the social networking sites for free. It is because of file sharing, we have the flexibility to purchase the alternatives without the need to physically purchase them. Let’s think back of the 80s where we have to physically visit the CDs store in order to make a purchase and the price we paid for each?
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that piracy online should not even be an issue. There are far worse crimes out in the world which are not even attended to yet they want to label a normal innocent girl a criminal. If that is the case, we would all be considered criminals, I myself included. Everyone in the world would have downloaded music or movies illegally as not everyone is able to afford to pay for movies or music online. It is just not realistic to spend unnecessary money for just one movie when you can get it for free!
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ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
DeleteI really enjoyed the flow your post had, deriving the start of it from your many references forming the basis of the main arguments in regard to file sharing, to bringing in your own personal opinions. Sharing the piracy video too was a nice addition as I think there are still some people who have probably never seen it before. Your case of LaHara too was quite eye opening, as file-sharers often do not fit the mold of cliché criminals. Thank you for the interesting post Sarah!
Blake
Hi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteGreat post in regards to what you've drawn from the weeks reading. As many others, I completely agree with you when you're explaining how this issue has provoked controversy amongst the public and major organisations involved. The thought of a young girl such as Brianna LaHara being sued for something most of us do everyday is ridiculous in comparison to other crimes that are being committed. Because of file sharing we have the opportunity to share so many things online, it’s not surprising that people would be taking advantage of this! We all do it! It’s good to see you’ve researched well in order to push forward your opinion on this topic! Great job ☺
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ReplyDeleteHi Sarah. This is one of the interesting blog post to read and I must give you credit for your writing. In the beginning I did not agree with people who agreed that piracy is not a big issue, but when I think of what I have done over the years I have also been directly involved in the symptoms of piracy. In my opinion, if piracy issue is the ultimate fault, every prison in this world will be full of prisoners with the same offense. I also like where you expressed your personal experience in relation to this topic. It makes your writing more interesting right with a personal touch. Looking forward to read more of your blog post!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYour post covers an interesting subject and the way your mix the references from the weekly readings and your humoristic writing makes it enjoyable to read. The way you set up a strong stereotype of an illegal filesharer makes it easier to relate to the subject and makes your point stronger when you neglect the stereotype by including the story of Brianna LaHara. The embedded YouTube video is a nice touch, but could perhaps have been inserted after your defined stereotype to emphasize how corporations like RIAA tried to give us this bad visual image of a typical filesharer.