Copy-protected CDs - philosophical discussion


My previous copy-protection thread probably deserves a follow-up since the issue is just as troubling ethically/legally/philosophically as it is technically.

Record companies are selling CDs which do not play on a PC's CD player. However, the CDs are not identified as such and, according to at least one source, may have trouble playing on high-end systems and car CD players.

Here's the news story:
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-6604222.html

Here's an unofficial list of copy-protected CDs, authored by a guy whose opinion on the matter should be quite obvious:
http://fatchucks.com/corruptcds/corrupt.html

Reserving the technical discussion and "can you actually hear it" discussions for my previous thread, what are your feelings on the softer side of this issue, especially given the vast amount of software that we collectively gave/received over the past couple of weeks?

Don't hold back, now!

FWIW, my take is that this is just another case of technology scaring the crap out of a lumbering entrenched industry with severely dated business models because the geeks are infinitely smarter and more creative than the suits can ever hope to be. Just like the lawsuit against Napster, it may succeed in its immediate goal (for a month or so), but misses the real point completely. Alienating customers who are not criminals is bad business. For many of us Audiogoners, I imagine the presence of "all but inaudible" distortion on a recording is reason enough to avoid it like the plague. The music business is not about “clicks and pops”; it's about music.
powerste

Showing 7 responses by tireguy

I stand corrected, I misunderstood his view, I hope Onhwy61 will accept my most humble appologize. I think I will now take your advice and enjoy the pre ;) Thanks for clearing the fog, which for some reason always seems to be clouding my vision. Good night

Tim
CFB you know I speak that text, it sounds similar to R2D2 talking. And as Angela guessed in an earlier thread, yes I can make the correct noises! So all you have to do is plug the text into your R2 unit and he'll translate it for ya.

Oh and on topic if I ever purchased a CD that wouldn't play on one of my players I would set it a flame and throw it through the window of the establishment from which I purchased it! Is there any legal implication with that act!

Good day,
Tim The screwball guy
Todd you can't be blamed for your brothers act's, if I where held accountable for my brothers doings I would be in jail. I want nothing to do with 'burned' disks its just nothing I want to risk, why spend 10's of thousands of dollars(on the system) and risk it with a comprimised recording to save $10. I don't get it! Sure if the low-lifes want to try and record music that is there business(well in fact I don't think it could be further from there business, but you get the hint), they can enjoy there lives in there trailers, listening to there lower then bose systems, eating there spam, drinking there 1 gallon vats of wine(on sale for $3.99), each to his own. Those who enjoy the finer things in life, appreciate the level of refinement that thrifty-ness can never buy, I think most of us discern the differences rapidly, an astute look upon life, which money doesn't buy-don't confuse class and money, the two seldom go hand and hand. Well I suppose that is enough of a rant, sorry I just got home and dealt with too many less then scrupulous individuals and am nearing my threshold of peoples ignorance. Then top it all off with a little bit of cut-throat mega-corporation America, it is such a pleasant mix.
I can't be as eloquent as CFB, Onhwy61 go away! You don't get and no matter how much any one talks to you never will, mind as well save everyone time and hit highway 61 see where it leads you. I wonder what the "corporate conglomerates" at Telarc, Delos, MFSL, DCCG, DMP, Shefield lab's and all other quality recording studios would think of your proposition?
Well first of all I don't drink beer, nor do I drink any more at all so I am unable to follow instructions(what's new). I never claimed he was an anarchist nor am I attacking his integrity but if he claims to be an audiophile and is yet willing to sacrafice quality for the dollar, it doesn't add up. Keep in mind Onhwy61 my coment was made all in jest and not meant to be taken literally(please don't wonder mindlessly on highway 61), I just feel it is an unusual perspective for an audiophile to hold. All kidding aside I think my earlier reply today makes sense, this isn't English class, you(Kelly) and I usually see eye to eye; though we are allowed our own opinions. Perhaps it is my age that allows me to act prior to the thought process completing its proper cycle, or all the freaking Aristotle I have been reading- translations to English yield less then superior grammer(I think it has been rubbing off). Oh yea and in regards to my statement made on 12-27-01, that was writen/typed in about 30 sec. in a fit of rage! I hope I can not be held accountable for that.
Happy Holidays,
Tim
Frogman, you bring up some interesting points, but at the same time not many people are burning CD's for resale. I don't agree with copying CD's period, but many here enjoy a "spare" copy for the vehicle which is wrong and they should not do it, but I don't think you are going to change them. Hackers hack everything, if encryption is going to be what happens those who break laws will continue to break laws and in the end the only people who will suffer and pay for it are honest consumers like most all of us here, sad eh?
Suing sony, no way but I made a hell of a law suit against Mcdonalds and their too hot coffee :) well maybe not me but I am sure we are all familar with that one. I am sure someone will find a way to file a class acion law suit, but I probably won't be involved, I would simply boycott who ever's product is "tainted", hell I have been looking for an excuse to focus my energy on vinyl! There are plenty of good recordings out there already(on digital) perhaps it will bring value to our current collections, maybe the used non-encrypted CD arena is the next BIG thing, who knows, but I will NEVER buy an infereior CD simply because others are breaking the laws. Tyrants rule when good people sit back and do nothing, it is time for those who follow the rules to stand up and say that this isn't fair!