Downloading Music
For a few years, it probably felt like you had a special secret: you could download music for free from the Internet. Now, the record industry has uncovered the “secret” of illegal downloading, shared by you and millions of others, and it is not happy. Fortunately, if you know where to go, you can avoid getting sued and still find plenty of music online. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Illegal Music Downloading?
The film “Empire Records” might give you the impression that stealing music can lead to a job at a hip record store. But these days, if stealing music leads to a job, you’ll be spending most of your salary on fines owed to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Protect yourself by learning the ins and outs of illegal downloading.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Don’t think you can get away with it: the RIAA is suing regular people like you over illegal file sharing. To understand the nature of these suits, read “The RIAA vs. John Doe, a layperson's guide to filesharing lawsuits” on the Digital Music Weblog. The Washington Post also reports on some recent suits in an article, “Download Uproar: Record Industry Goes After Personal Use.”
- In addition to suing users, the RIAA is also asking ISPs to collect a “piracy surcharge” from their users to compensate for illegal downloading.
Dulcinea's Picks
For basic information about the issue …
The BBC
offers an explanation of how illegal downloading sites work and why the music industry is in such an uproar.
To avoid illegal downloading …
Northwestern University
’s IT department instructs students on how to avoid illegal downloading. The guidelines are applicable to all Internet users.
IFPI
, the organization that represents the international recording industry, offers a download called “Digital File Check” (DFC) that ensures no illegally downloaded programs or files are on your computer. If you need motivation to download the tool, IFPI’s article on the dangers of illegal music downloading should inspire you.
For parents …
Childnet International
offers “Young People, Music and the Internet,” a guide parents can use to ensure that their children are not participating in illegal or dangerous music downloading. Childnet is a nonprofit organization working toward Internet safety for young people.
To read about the history of the downloading wars …
ScienceDaily
summarizes a paper from the Journal of Consumer Research that analyzes the past seven years of the downloading wars as if each side of the debate was a character in a play. This interpretation sheds light both on strategic decisions and the nature of business and commerce.
To learn about recent developments …
Recording Industry vs. The People
is a blog run by lawyers who are vehemently against the various recording industry lawsuits; the site posts frequent news and updates about these cases.
DRMBlog.org
posts occasional updates on the issue of digital rights management (DRM) and related developments in law and technology.
Legal Music Downloading Sites
The dangers of illegal downloading might frighten you into digging up your old cassette player or scouring thrift shops for a turntable, but try not to panic. Take a deep breath and put your headphones back on; there are plenty of sites where you can still download music with the blessing of the recording industry and the law.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Beware of sites like MPFree. It promises free downloads, but if you read the Membership Agreement you’ll find that to earn free music, you must respond to pitches from advertisers and recruit new members.
- The findingDulcinea Music Web Guide and Radio Web Guide both offer suggestions for purchasing and listening to music online. Or check findingDulcinea’s Netcetera section for the biweekly “Playlist” column, where you’ll find music recommendations and tips for listening online.
Dulcinea's Picks
To learn about legal music downloading …
The BBC
’s “How to Download Music” tutorial provides a comprehensive look at the technology and services involved with downloading. Some of the sites in the “Where to Go To Download” section can only be accessed by British users, but many are available to everyone.
For a list of legal music downloading sites …
The RIAA
has a list of completely legal sites that offer music online. It’s directed at parents and educators who want to monitor children’s Internet use, but it’s a valuable resource for anyone who doesn’t want to break the law.
For free downloads …
Download.com
bears the CNET seal and guarantees safe downloads that are both free and spyware-free. Gain access to more than 110,000 downloadable songs as well as additional songs available for streaming, plus music forums and news.
To explore music online …
Entertainment Weekly
’s 2006 feature “The 25 Best Music Websites” mentions basic downloading sites, niche record stores, music blogs, and online zines that post MP3s. It includes sites for almost all genres, and it’s an excellent way to find free downloads, stream a few tracks before you sample an album, learn about new stores or read reviews.
The Guardian
’s “Special report: Digital music” names numerous sites where you can download or stream music legally. Some of the sites, such as the iTunes UK store, aren’t accessible outside the U.K., but many of them are.
For college students …
Ruckus
is a media service that offers free music and movie download services to college students. Several colleges and universities are now allowing the service on campuses where downloading was previously prohibited.
To avoid scam sites …
The Center for Democracy and Technology
publishes a list of scam sites that charge users money but fail to deliver downloads or aren’t authorized to sell music. The list was last updated in 2007, but the page includes warning signs to help you assess new sites you encounter.
© 2013 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
