I noticed this on the BBC News website just before the weekend and would be interested to hear other people's views:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8247376.stm

Let me start by admitting that although I do enjoy owning physical copies of the music I love I cannot honestly say that I have never downloaded music online via filesharing networks.

While I can see why organisations like the PPL and BPI would want to protect their artists I do think that being able to access an enormous catalogue of music for free online can only be a positive thing for upcoming and established artists alike. A change is happening in the way people access music and many artists seem to be embracing that, giving away some or all of their music for free and relying on other ways of making money, like merchandise and touring.

On a seperate note I think that blocking access to the internet for people who do download is not the way to tackle the issue. This method was proposed by the French government and has been shown to be against EU rulings.

There are people on the forum from many areas of the music world and I would be interested in what you all think!

HI Luke, a great topic to bring up, thanks!

I read somewhere that the regulations the government intend to impose are like using a "sledgehammer to crack a walnut".

Banning people from the internet is not going to solve the problem of illegal file-sharing, and is way too heavy-handed. It will create more backlash against the official organisations, just like we've seen against the RIAA everytime they sue some American housewife for millions of dollars to try and make an example.

I've always hoped for more research into tracking and distribution, so that the PROs, labels and Internet Providers would be able to offer legal alternatives at reasonable prices, and also pay the correct artists in line with their music's useage.

This is what the majoritymusic consumers really want; most don't WANT to get music illegally, they just want the access. There is already evidence to support this reasoning, with reports indicating that since Spotify, Imeem, LastFM and co., comsumers are using P2P sites less. The option of free streaming appeals, and artists can be paid through ad revenue, or a premium subscription.

That's my two cents!

Lee J.

i agree with lee's comment to an extent, the p2p users themselves arent always the worst issue. although these users can download lots of music many of them are not the first to post them. i feel that serial torrent poster's like the infamous AXXO for films are a more accurate target as they specifically go out of the way to get material to put it on the net, often prior to official release.

its not just music that suffers, film and games are also a massive target from filesharing and thats why targeting people is the only option. fine musicians can make money elsewhere but games makers and film makers cant. and once theyve spent 40 milli on an actor or promotion they have to make that money back.

however, we have to disway people from using filesharing programs not for the benefit of the artist but those who work with and for the artists. As a producer or musical engineer, you can only get paid off of units sold. not off the concerts the tours etc. same with artwork distribution etc. theres more then jus the artist that have to be paid. with out them there is no artist really, and thats why the cycle needs to keep going, much as people want stuff free, somethings still have to be paid for.

Hi all,
I believe we are now in a totally new age: a new way of making music, a new way of selling and getting paid for music, a new way of accessing music. Yet, we are not moving forward, we are holding onto old ways of discovering music and 'doing business' with old models.
I believe there will come a time (10-20 years time) when big record companies will become redundant: CDs will be phased out and these 'business oriented' companies will reinvent themselves as PR/marketing companies.
For artists, these are exciting times. Artists have always wanted to be more in control of their music, now is the time! The internet has opened so many doors including the door that says 'Loyalty, fan support - means less money but more genuine music'. Let's face it, if something is posted on the net, it is now accessible for free. The general public will now be able to decide whether they want to part with their cash to support an artist or not. As for musicians/producers/engineers, they will have to develop a relationship with the artist. That's the only way. Whether that relationship goes through a label or unsigned, artists have to understand they are using a service that needs to be remunerated. Also, the various music bodies and government should provide an 'entertainment wage' for workers in that industry (see France).
Sure the internet is probably devaluing music but it's also making things more equal for everybody in the long run. We need to look towards a positive future and not hang on to the old ways and the way record companies are currently doing things.
Because I believe there will be a time when artists will be more motivated by reaching their audience and making quality music rather than 'getting signed' or 'making it'. And the internet will help with all that.