Ind. Labels move away from DRM as it only punishes the fans

Ever since the widespread publicity caused by Sony BMG's use of rootkits in its
audio CDs, this helped a wider range of consumers become aware of the problems DRM is causing, not to mention the potential security issues that CDs which use it can cause.  Now, independent labels are also realising how bad the problem with DRM and lawsuits is getting and are moving away from the RIAA's and other big label's attitudes towards file sharing and casual copying and are listening to their customers instead.  A good recent example includes the Canadian label Nettwerk, who is willing to pay off the legal costs and fines of an individual who is facing court as a result of an RIAA lawsuit, accused of illegally sharing Nettwerk's music. 

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Recently,
the German Association for Independent Labels, VUT, launched a campaign called
the 'Respect the Music - Copy Protection Free ' campaign.  Their campaign aims to make it clear that DRM and Copy protection is not the solution to piracy, but instead helps encourage it, help create new consumer-friendly copyright laws that covers digital music and a new modern way of compensating artists and finally that suing P2P users also does not solve the piracy problem.

According to the campaign, one main reason independent labels refuse to use copy protection devices is that these measures only punish the honest fans instead of rewarding them! 

In the digital climate of 2006, the Internet has boosted awareness for alternative media. Independent labels now aim to make themselves distinct and different than labels associated with the CRIA, the RIAA, BPI, etc. Once again, the Internet would prove to be a handy tool to get their messages across. 

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Sony-BMG may prove to be a turning point when it comes to attitudes regarding DRM (Digital Rights Management). Since the Rootkit fiasco and the MediaMax technology controversy, awareness surrounding DRM has attained new heights. The results would prove disappointing for those hoping physical CDs would still earn soaring profits in 2006. Thanks to these actions, some technologically aware consumers have blanketed all portable media - namely CDs and DVDs - as security risks.

This development has aroused serious concerns for the music labels. Not all music labels are associated with large media corporations like Sony and Time Warner. Independent labels have taken a new stance and have become more vocal lately - increasing their distance from things such as the RIAA lawsuits and DRM technology on CDs.

While some cannot resist the temptation of downloading music from file sharing networks instead of purchasing it, it is nice to see that the independent labels are clearly seeing the major flaw of DRM:  If a customer is punished by purchasing a copy protected CD instead of downloading the music freely from a P2P network, what would be the point of buying these CDs anymore?  For example, if one downloads an album in the MP3 format, they can easily play these on any MP3 player available on the market or burn these to CD to playback in most players that can play Audio-CDs.  However, if an honest fan decided to support their artist by buying their copy protected disc instead, then this person will be face problems playing the disc in some equipment, never mind trying to copy its contents to a portable MP3 player, unless the person is experienced with bypassing these restrictions. 

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Feel free to discuss about file sharing and its legal issues on our Music Download, Peer to Peer (P2P) & Legal Issues Forum.

Source: Slyck News

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