ethical dilema...

[dolfan]

Sometimes, you may not download or reproduce from an original owned by you or a copy of an original owned by you, even for your own use (note "may" -- you don't have permission or authority or right or privilege). That is often a violation of copyright. However, you can do it because, by law, you are immune from any liability if your use is non-commercial and the device used to do it is one made in compliance with the Audio Home Recording Act of 1992.

Copying, even for personal use, violates copyright law sometimes. For example, a mix CD from various other originals owned by you is more likely a violation than a whole CD copy of an out-of-print LP. The key distinction is the market impact of the former (you can buy custom mix CD's of virtually all songs from a company in Connecticut which pays royalties on them) vs. no market impact where there are no royalties payable since the album is out of print.

Law is fuzzy on this. There is no clear answer many, many times.

[pastorables]

instead of plucking something out of it's context? here is the textual context, with highlighted words to draw attention to intent...

to reiterate: I have about 120 CD's in my collection. of those, upwards of about 40 or so are missing the CD's from their cases. Do YOU think it would be inappropriate or illegal to download those albums? why or why not?

I don't need any justification or excuses. I have personally chosen to not download them for my own reasons (I am not here to say that someone is a "sinner" if they choose to do this in this situation, or that they are more holy if they do not - this was a personal choice). but it did bring the question up in my mind how others might respond.

The dilemma was a question, for discussion. So what would YOU do? and in case it was missed. this was also NOT about judging others actions (especially, according to your values) in this real life situation, only wondering what others might or might not do.

So, it's only a question then concerning what others would do in such dilemma as you have already settled in your heart what you will do?

In that case, I have no problem making copies of videos, music, or literary work for personal use. I would not make copies for others or to sell them. The copyright laws are not consistent IMHO.

pa