Hi, and welcome to my show! I'm Michelle Bollinger, and today we will be discussing the controversial issue of pirating. It's so easy to get online and download music, videos, and photographs rather then go to the store to spend money on them. Is this convenience worth it though? Recent consequences are causing anger amongst many individuals. Lawsuits are being filed against people for being involved in file-sharing, and people even risk going to jail for illegal downloads. We have invited Jason Schultz, who is arguing for the legalization of file sharing, and Scott Matthews, who will be giving us the opposing view against file-sharing. Lets get started with Jason Schultz. Jason, could you sell me on why file-sharing is such a benefit?
Jason Schultz: Michelle, the number of people having lawsuits brought on them is something that could be prevented. The right to privacy and constitutional right to free speech are being shattered with individuals being exposed for actions like this. There are so many other solutions, like voluntary compulsary liscensing, that could be used to allow artists to still get compensation for their work. College students and adults dont have the money to pay off thousands of dollars of fines. I just dont think it's fair to have such harsh punishments when alternatives could be used instead.
Michelle Bollinger: I see your point Jason. It's intruiged me at how many people are being brought to court over pirating. I never knew the consequences could have such an impact on people's lives! What do you think about this Scott?
Scott Matthews: Although it'd valid to mention how harsh the consequences are, I think Jason is failing to see how serious infringing on copyrighting is. It's against the law to pirate. Since so many people are engaging in file-sharing, it makes it all the more difficult to put an end to. You brought up voluntary compulsary licensing. In order to do that, we need to get the government involved. The government would be able to see everything we listen to and look at. Where's the privacy in that? Plus, many alternatives that have been presented, like monthly fees on music downloaders have not worked to decrease piracy. For all the arguments about privacy and free speech, i dont think that the government getting involved backs up any of those stances.
Michelle Bollinger: You do bring up a great point Scott, about privacy being infringed if file-sharing is allowed. Jason, do you think there is way to keep privacy in file-sharing without letting the government have so much control in it?
Jason Schultz: Yes i do. I dont agree that the government will be as concerned with knowing everything we do and look at as Scott mentioned. The government would be more concerned with making sure that artists recieve the money that they deserve.
Scott Matthews: If people end up paying monthly fees and taxes for artists to recieve their money, i dont think they will realize that this wont be the only thing they're paying for. Much of the file-sharing, in fact around 40 percent of it comes from porn. It would be virtually impossible for the government to make sure every file-share that was being paid for was music, photographs, or video that was acceptable.
Jason Schultz: I agree, it is impossible to make sure that only certain aspects of file-sharing would be allowed. However, I believe that people are always going to have the urge to copy music and videos, so why not come up with a way that still gives credit to the makers of their work that can be legal at the same time?
Michelle Bollinger: Thank you so much Jason Schultz, and Scott Matthews for coming in today. I wish we could talk longer but our time is up! I'm glad i was able to hear both sides of the piracy debate. You both have some really great comments for and against it, and i'm not sure what to root for! Until next time...
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