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General discussion

lending mp3 CDs to friends, what's the deal?

by joelreitzloff Dec 4, 2006 2:29PM PST

i'm about to start buying mp3s legally i was wondering, how does it work if you were going to lend an mp3 CD to a friend. i mean, you'd basically MAKE them the CD, and then by faith everyone assumes they won't copy it, and that they'll eventually throw away or give back the CD. ALSO, you'd still have the mp3s on file and be able to listen to them youself and burn them for yourself, so, it's just kinda weird. i have a friend who probably wouldn't accept any CD-R with music on it unless she knew it was completely legit. i like the way she thinks and it's making me realize i need to legitamize my mp3 collection.

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3 Posts

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The deal is fairly simple.

by Kiddpeat Dec 4, 2006 2:39PM PST

You pay for your music. You don't make copies of it for other people. If you want to sell music that you own, you don't keep a copy for yourself. If two, or more, people are listening to your music at the same time, you've stolen the extra copy.

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Exactly...

by John.Wilkinson Dec 4, 2006 10:55PM PST

Yes, people do occasionally lend others a CD to listen to, play at a party, etc, which is generally fine. However, the second they make a copy of the CD, rip it to their computer, etc. with the intent of keeping a copy after they give the CD back to you it is a matter of piracy on their part. You would also be guilty if you knew what they were going to do and gave them the CD anyways.

Also, as Kiddpeat said, while your friend has possession of the CD you may not play/use any copies you may have in your posession...you have basically temporarilly transferred rights to your friend.

While purchasing music instead of pirating it is certainly a good, and significant, step in the right direction there's still a fine line that needs to be walked if you want to follow the letter of the law.

John

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Heck, I know people who won't accept a stolen car.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 4, 2006 8:07PM PST

Enough said?

Bob

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