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Thread ID: 40307	2003-12-04 08:07:00	Recording	Martina (4232)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
197237	2003-12-04 08:07:00	ok it's probably been covered many times but I can't find definitive answers to these questions: Is it illegal/immoral/unethical to record music which is freely available on the web without using p2p software. For example, the live radio stations available in Win Media Player. If I record the stream am I committing an offence against something/someone? Also, if I record from radio/tv am I likely to be dropped on from a great height? I hope there is a member with connections in the legal profession. Thanks M...	Martina (4232)
197238	2003-12-04 08:53:00	The answer is that recording anything without the consent of the Artist(s) and publisher(s) is an offence. The streaming audio "stations" pay a royalty for the right to "play" the audio. Their royalty covers you listening to it, but not you taking a copy to play later. As an example the local Doctors rooms should pay a fee for playing background music, as should cafes etc. In fact this is now being policed. As to the likelihood that you will be "dropped on" it would have to be between none and zero, as there is no trace that you have done it (unless you republish the material and are caught) With P2P, its actually quite easy to determine who downloaded what and when, so if ever the "authorities" wanted to pounce, theoretically they could. Having said that, there are some "big name" artists that have mp3 tracks available for downloading on their web pages, so a limited amount of the traffic is likely legit. About 0.00001% probably. As with all such things, the cost of any fine is a minor consideration, but the cost of defending any claim would be tens of thousands. As its illegal to record TV programs for playing later, that puts the "streaming" copying in perspective. But copying the DVD hired from the video store is another matter again.	godfather (25)
197239	2003-12-04 09:02:00	My own personal ethics says that recording for ones own private personal use, and not re-distributing in any way shape or form is ok. With current laws in America where most of the music I listen to comes from, royalties have been paid by the stations. Following intense lobbying by the music industry, old recordings which had been in the public domain for years have been brought back into copyright, we are talking of going back 95 years would you believe, back to Edison cylinders. No-one is going to jump on you for private recording, but it certainly isnt right for example, to record something that may have been digitally improved by someone for all to enjoy, and then re-distribute it without the owners permission. There are definitely anomalies around in the US. Some music sites with old records ie 1920s have had to withdraw them because of threats by the music industry, others seem unaffected. I think it is a question of using common sense, as not all law is wise, it is often an ass.	Terry Porritt (14)
197240	2003-12-04 09:08:00	Another thing I forgot, is that some sites that I visit actually want you to download the music files, because playing them as a stream takes up their bandwidth, some are streaming only, and some are download only. Their isnt any common factor. The sites im talking about all have recordings which had been in free public domain for yonks and yonks.	Terry Porritt (14)
197241	2003-12-04 22:56:00	Look, I wouldnt worry about any of the piracy laws in New Zealand as of yet, so go hard, download bazillions of songs to your PC, make copies and sell them to all your friends.	dotcommander (4338)
197242	2003-12-04 23:23:00	That just isnt right dotto, and wasnt what the question asked. Using P2P software to download copyrighted music fronm someone elses hard drive is definitely illegal and totally unethical. no matter what you think, or that the technology is there and available. People who do this deserve to get every virus going. What the question was about was recording streaming audio being broadcast to the world. It's a totally different ball game, and has no connection with P2P.	Terry Porritt (14)
197243	2003-12-04 23:25:00	I know you didnt mention P2P, but thats what came into my mind. from your post	Terry Porritt (14)
197244	2003-12-05 01:16:00	Thanks guys - I guess I'll just go for recording the streams and leave the p2p to braver souls Thanks again. M...	Martina (4232)
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