The Ethics of Filesharing

Below are two really good videos on the ethics of filesharing. No matter which side of the argument you support (pro-artist/revenue model or pro-consumer/free model), these expert interviews are thought provoking, providing an intelligent discourse without emotional pleas from those that just want to have it their way. As I've stated before, there has to be a middle ground. Both videos come from Artists House Music, which is arguably the best site out there for indie musicians and I highly recommend you subscribe to their feeds.

The first video, an interview with Professor Russell Rains discuses the general ethical issues surrounding filesharing with an emphasis on the legality of filesharing.

The second one is with Lawrence Lessig, also an attorney and a professor, and the founder of Creative Commons. He discusses the pros and cons of filesharing. Note how he believes that filesharing is currently being misused and he does not support that kind of activity, but he also offers insight into a potential middle ground between utilizing P2P filesharing networks as a technology, while at the same time protecting the rights of the artists. I couldn't agree with him more, and I've been saying this for years, as that's what it will take to make it viable for both parties. While it's an older interview, it's still very good and applicable, and should be watched by all consumers and musicians:

IMHO, P2P as a technology will only continue to grow, but it may not remain free. As Professor Lessig alludes, P2P filesharing networks will become an integral part of the Internet, but there will also be built-in technology that will protect the rights of the artists - it's just a matter of time before that part of the equation is developed, and no, I'm not talking about DRM.

As always, I welcome your comments.