Prevalence of Mp3s justifies RIAA fears, lawsuit

By Aaron Madfes

I am writing in response to Kelly Finn’s column,
“Industry should embrace technology, not fight it”
(Viewpoint, May 19). The column pointed out that the music
industry, represented by the Recording Industry Association of
America, should embrace new Mp3 technology, “get with the
times” and “stop worrying.” These are very
misinformed opinions.

Yes, the RIAA has taken a dramatic stand against the Mp3. It has
filed several law suits against Mp3 search engines, Web sites and
portable Mp3 player producers. The RIAA may be crying wolf, but I
think the facts speak for themselves.

Mp3s are compressions of very large audio files called
“wav’s.” The Mp3 file compresses the wav to one
10th its original size. That compression allows for easy
transportation over the Internet and easy storage on hard drives.
What does this mean? Well, the Mp3 allows people to upload and
download files off the Internet with unparalleled speed and
simplicity. Files can be moved in a matter of minutes, not hours.
Students with land-based cable connections (such as in the UCLA
dorms) can access the information in seconds.

The RIAA is very afraid of this feature of Mp3 technology. Audio
files with near CD-quality sound can be passed over the Internet,
which is relatively uncharted in the legal world. Mp3 technology
has been used to transfer “illegal” files ““
copies of copyrighted songs ““ over the Net.

The music industry’s real fear is that people will be more
apt to download their favorite songs (or albums) off the Internet
instead of buying a CD from music stores. If it is correct, the
music industry stands to loose hundreds of millions of dollars a
year. Record companies claim to have lost revenue already, although
this has yet to be proven. But the trend is there. Ask students
with Internet connections and most of them will know of, or have,
Mp3’s. The popularity of Mp3’s has grown along with CD
burners. Now, consumers can pirate their own albums for a fraction
of the cost of a CD.

The threat to the RIAA is real. By attacking the legality of Mp3
products and services, the RIAA is “getting with the
times” by fighting back against new technology. Music is an
industry; artists have the right to profit from their creations.
The rise of new technologies threaten that industry.

What should the RIAA do ““ give up or give in? Should
record companies ignore the loss of millions of dollars? If you
were a recording artist, would you want others to profit off your
name and music at your own detriment? I think not.

The music industry should embrace and take advantage of new
technology. Sites have popped up selling legal Mp3 files (they pay
royalty fees). But the industry has no reason to give in to
pirating and illegal activity for the sake of those who wish to
take advantage of the Internet. The music industry is in for a
fight, but it should not be criticized for it.