It's not so clear cut.

All your points are nicely made. A good post, xavyer.

Let's muddy the waters a bit more. Suppose I have an album called "Pass in Review", a recording of a parade in England in 1962. I got that album by haunting estate sales on the internet, and I can just about promise you that you cannot find a copy of it for sale anyplace in the world today.

Am I violating copyright law by making a CDR of that album and giving it to my 1963 high school band teacher (yeah, I really am that old!)? Probably I am. But under what conceivable circumstances am I causing harm to anybody or any entity by doing so?

This isn't really a "Suppose". It accurately describes what is to my knowledge the only music piracy I have ever done. Under the circumstances I don't feel the least bit remorseful, and in fact would be very pleased to pay serious money for a CD professionally remastered from the original tapes, but that simply is not an option.

Do you suppose RIAA is going to come after me now after this confession? :-)

Oops, I forgot -- I also sent tfabris a copy of one of the tracks from that album. I guess that makes me a double pirate. Tony, watch out that they don't come after you too!

tanstaafl.



"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"