Copyright and Creative Commons Lecture

I found Jason Hardin's visit to our class to be really interesting and informative. Hardin gave a lecture on copyright in our society and the various issues regarding copyright. The main reasons why I found Hardin's lecture so interesting was because I have never known too much about copyright and all the logistics of it. I knew the basics, but his lecture really introduced me to many new concepts. One of the main things that I learned was that it is a felony to commit a copyright infringement involving more than 10 copies and a value of more than $2500. A big issue that is relevant to many college students today is how it is illegal to download music without paying for it. Hardin informed us how many college kids ignore the fact that downloading music is illegal because they believe since everyone does it, then they can too. However, strict repercussions ensue if one is caught.
One case that serves as a reminder that such actions can lead to harsh consequences is one situation that a Boston University student found himself in. In 2009, the student was ordered to pay a staggering $675,000 for illegally downloading thirty songs. The student was ordered to pay four different record companies for the damages he caused them. While many believe such a sentence is harsh, the companies view this as a reminder to all who participate in illegal downloading that they will not tolerate it. Companies lose money when people do not pay for the work that they produce. So, from a business standpoint, they sue those who "steal" from them in order to make up for the damage illegal downloading causes them.
From a students perspective, this can be viewed as an unnecessary, extreme consequence. From this perspective, one can believe that they are not really causing any harm by downloading music illegally. Oftentimes, those who produce the music are already filthy wealthy, therefor, not paying $1 a song is not that big of a deal. Why make the rich richer? Especially if you can get it for free? I side with the student on this issue. I think that is not a huge deal if people illegally download music because those who produce music are creating art, and art is something that everyone should be able to benefit from and appreciate, regardless of their ability to pay. Also, don't fans pour enough money to these music starts when they throng to their concerts and purchase other merchandise? Somehow, I don't find myself feeling too guilty when the people I "steal" from are still earning 7, 8 figure salaries.





Copyright and Creative Commons Lecture Response by Andrew Crook is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
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