Sony BMG Says Ripping CDs is Stealing

LKM writes "Sony seems to think we should not be allowed to rip CDs we own to our iPods. In fact, doing so is stealing, and we should all re-buy songs, preferably one copy for each device. Says Jennifer Pariser, the head of litigation for Sony BMG: 'When an individual makes a copy of a song for himself, I suppose we can say he stole a song. Making a copy of a purchased song is just a nice way of saying 'steals just one copy'.' I guess somebody should tell Sony about all the devices Sony produces that allow this stealing to occur!"

Comments

Wrongheaded View

[Anonymous Coward]

This view that people 'own' the CD, and that music companies are trying to screw us over is completly wrongheaded. You own the physical media, and the music companies grant you a license to USE the CD for use in a licensed device to listen to the contents. Sharing the CD with others is a perfect example of fair use. Burning / Ripping / Extracting the music violates this generous license that the music companies have afforded you.

DRM should be seen as a happy compromise. Music companies grant you MORE rights! All you need to do is install simple software to ensure you comply with the license. Ever protect your files with attributes / group permissions? that's DRM! It protects you and me, it's that simple!

The ALTERNATIVE is for people to repurchase the song, in a propper format, for a specific media player.

More importantly...

[lordicarus]

"I guess somebody should tell Sony about all the devices Sony produces that allow this stealing to occur!"

More importantly, someone should remind Sony that when you have a CD you can play it on probably thousands of different brands of CD players. Is that stealing too in their eyes? Based on the logic they set forth it seems like it would be. Anything for a buck I guess.

Re:Much more damaging

[Mattintosh]

Folks might also consider patronizing independent artists.

Sure, if independent artists ever consider becoming good musicians. Don't get me wrong, there are a few gems out there. But the vast majority of indy artists are crap. That's why they're indy.

Re:I've got a couple choice words for Sony BMG....

[pandrijeczko]

First of all their selection was pathetic, I don't want to listen to that mainstream crap, luckily they did have some techno and drum & bass that somewhat interested me.

I fail to see the distinction between the two.

My experience of drum and bass is that you can get a similar effect by kicking a metal bucket down some stone steps - and get a bit of exercise in the process.

Why don't you just spend a little more money and get some "guitar and vocals" also?

Re:Democracy can't be saved by non-voters

[PopeRatzo]

Instant runoff voting

Amen to that.