Putting Canadian Piracy in Perspective 188
An anonymous reader writes "Over the past year Slashdot has pointed to many industry claims and governmental pressure over Canada piracy issues. Canadian law prof Michael Geist has produced Putting Canadian 'Piracy' in Perspective, a video that demonstrates how the claims are hugely exaggerated. For example, it shows how despite the MPAA's claim of movie piracy, Canada was the industry's fastest growing market last year. Similarly, while the recording industry says Canada is the world's top P2P country, the data shows that the Canadian music industry is experiencing record gains and that most of the decline from the major labels is due to retail pricing pressures."
A bit offtopic (Score:5, Interesting)
Years ago, I found my sister buying Audio CD-Rs. I asked her why she bought those to burn her music, after all a normal CD wouldn't make a difference and the Audio CD-Rs were more expensive due to the levy of the music industry. Turned out she didn't know that data CDs could be used to copy music. I explained her that the only reason Audio CD-Rs exist is for non-computer burners and that she pays a "tax" by buying those.
The reaction was: Hey, that's cool... because of this tax my pirating is legal
Now aside form how true that statement is, my sister is an actual music lover and now that she is employed, she is in the process of buying every single CD she copied (and liked, of course) in her student years. Did I mention that she's an audio engineer now?
Exchange rates... (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Canada . . (Score:1, Interesting)
Re:Competition isn't piracy. (Score:5, Interesting)
I have the same CD/DVD usage problems, too, with one difference: I'm 70% deaf. I can't use their product in a normal stereo or DVD player at a level *I* can hear without drawing noise complaints from neighbors. However, they've decided for me that I can't watch/hear it on my PC with headphones. Why? Because they're worried Billy Jo Ray Jim Bob Roy is P2Ping his entire collection of bad porn, Rob Schneider movies, and 1970's country-western to the world...
In short: Wal-mart doesn't pat me down every time I leave their store, nor WILL they. RIAA's shooting themselves in the foot by mistakenly assuming I'm a criminal.hypocrites I tell you (Score:4, Interesting)
Why does the slashdot community continually support this criminal BS of pirating music and slamming more than the RIAA's tatics, but even their right to protect their intellectual property? When did theft become cool? Oh ya, I remember. From the first time I heard about it, I thought Napster's rampant copying and theft was not cool and revolutionary, but more like the punk ghetto kid who suddenly became popular with everyone - by selling drugs. It's ridiculous.
If you do not think that THEY have a right to keep you from copying and YOU have no right to copy, at least in the U.S. then perhaps you have forgotten that our most fundamental law states that Congress has the authority "To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." YOUR interpretation of this is not relevant so I don't want to hear it. Only the Supreme Court's is, and if you have a problem with that, good luck with your constitutional amendment or revolution.
On the other hand, if you are going to advocate socialism, please be consistent. There are a lot of software developers here. How do you expect to make money if everyone copies your work? Are you going to make money on product support? Tell me, how much money have you spent on product support in the last few years?
If you have a problem with the RIAA's tactics, fine. I do not have a problem with the articles and the outrage. But what point is this article trying to make? It's easily refuted with one simple counterexample which is self evident: China.
The slashdot groupthink on this subject is off the charts. A lot of folks here could benefit from a realistic and balanced discussion that properly respects the right of others to protect their property and the right of government to implement public policy according to properly established authority as provided by the people.
Re:I think it needs to be made clear... (Score:3, Interesting)
Also in Canada there is a levy on blank recording media such as CDRs where money is collected and divided up amongst the artists so every time I back up to CDR or copy my digital pictures they get a cut.
Seems to be pretty good for the copyright holders as they seem to be making more money than ever. And very good for our culture as more things are shared.
Culture should be spread.
Re:Competition isn't piracy. (Score:3, Interesting)
Sure have. Kept walking, as I know I have my receipt....but I'm the kind of guy whom, when asked by a security guard for his ID, responds "May I see your identification as a peace officer of (or for) the state of Texas or any local or federal agency?"
Jus' 'cause the Sheeple buy that sort of treatment doesn't mean the rest of us should.