Would music survive without copy protection?

[gwmbox]

LOL - a debate question got to love them and in a forum that is dead maybe it might spark a debate

So if there was no copy protection - would music still survive, would it still be created and would it be as good as it is today?

What about Copyright (not RIGHT not Protect)?  Just because you have the CD does not allow you to copy it or reproduce it or to make a similar piece out of or even mix it - or does it.  Where is the line in the sand to what is allowed and what is not as from where I see it it is a bloody blurred line that is barely visible....

[ihtanni]

music would definitely survive without copy protection - point being that even the best efforts by the industry to implement copy protection, there are always different mediums that aren't as secure. Most places are starting to realize that they can sell much more music online without DRM.

Imposing ridiculous royalties and restrictions on music just hurts it, because fewer people can listen to what little is played. I've found untold number of awesome bands through means other than FM radio (wazee being a large part of that).

As for when I buy a CD (though it's been awhile since I've bought an actual physical CD), I expect to be able to rip it to my hearts content, stream it from my home PC to my phone/other local devices, make as many copies as I want, etc. - Just as long as it's an extremely private usage (ie, just the household and close friends), then I don't see anything wrong with it. Along the same lines, I'm all for telling a friend they need to check out this band and letting them listen to the CD somehow. Odds are they'll go to a concert, buy a new CD, etc.

It is all definitely an extremely fuzzy line, and hardly no one will agree 100% with another person on copyprotection.

[gwmbox]

Great reply and I agree with your sentiments.

Agreed I cannot recall the last time I purchased a physical CD either - do they still sell them

Online purchasing is the only way forward, BUT and this is a big BUT, the first time I get a DRM issue with ANY band - I black list them to never buy their music again - their loss not mine as there is always someone better to listen to without DRM.

Being able to make your own copies for your own use is a great way to listen to and even expand on the music you have...

[ihtanni]

Absolutely correct, I'm the same way with DRM problems - though I don't really blame the band if it's just the online distributer that put the DRM there. That's why I always look for a DRM free place to purchase songs. I'm really looking forward to the near future as lossless downloads increase in popularity.