How often, how many times do you commit theft? Most people would easily ignore this question because they do not think themselves as thieves. However, so many people have been committing theft unconsciously still now. This stealing is invisible one: illegal downloading. The people who download MP3 or movie files illegally also can be lawbreakers. It is disputable issue whether sharing illegally published music or movie files in the internet is illegal and some people argue that sharing information is the internet users' rights in these days, however, I strongly do not agree about that idea with following ideas.
First of all, today, a lot of people over the world like Youtube because on Youtube, people can share and post their personal videos, television show programs and music with free. Moreover, Youtube is not illegal, so there is any restraint from government or agency, rather movie makers actively promote people to share and watch their new movies at that website. Music producers and singers also encourage people to share and watch their audio files, music videos or performance video. For this reason, people who are against banning free download service suggest Youtube as an example.
However, Youtube cannot be an example for people who support free download service in the internet because "listening" the music and "possessing" CD or music files are a different issue. The main reason why people tend to not care about breaking the rule at online would be the products they have stolen are invisible. Possessing or purchasing something in online has different form. People do not have to go to store directly, and they do not need to encounter cashier. All purchasing behaviors are conducted personally and invisibly. However because of this trait of online purchasing, people easily misunderstand the difference between "possessing" and "stealing" even though it is same to buy products at stores.
For this reason, it does not make sense to let all internet users share their "information" including illegally published and released products such as MP3 or movie files. Also, it cannot be a persuasive reason that all information existing on the internet should be free to share because of its invisible and untouchable trait. Even at public libraries, we cannot copy books or thesis with free because they are someone else's intellectual properties. In other words, MP3 music files also belong to certain producers and singers. They are another kind of intellectual properties.
Some people support the free download service at online by emphasizing the important benefit of sharing information that the internet has. They argue that sharing information and files is their freedom and rights needed to be protected. However, they need to remember the fact that if the information or products they had shared each other infringe a copyright or someone's intellectual property, it is a crime, and should be stopped and punished.
**I didn't know that I needed to post "downloading essay" because I couldn't find a comment about homeworks after our midterm. So, sorry for my late posting.:'( from SH.L**
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the introduction so much! The hook was interesting enough to make readers wondering about and shocked by the downloading issue.
ReplyDeleteI also want to say that I like your point, that is, we should not confuse possessing with stealing. This stuck me as very powerful because I felt like I proved to be a thief..;;
A very small work you need to do to improve your essay. I believe if you edit some grammar errors, then your writing will be perfect!
ex) On line 3 of body 1, 'so there is ~' must be 'so there is "not"' You may be surprised after finding this mistake because you must have never thought that you hadn't added 'not' there.