The Rise and Fall of Digital Piracy

Before going on stage for a concert in Oslo, Norway, rap artist 50 Cent did an interview with Pål Nordseth. Although most of the conversation involved his denial of using cocaine on live tv, the conversation eventually turned to file sharing.

Pål asked 50 Cent “How are G-Unit Records (the recording company he owns) doing in these times of file-sharing?

“Not so good.” he responded. “The advances in technology impacts everyone, and we all must adapt. Most of all hip-hop, a style of music dependent upon a youthful audience. This market consists of individuals embracing innovations faster than the fans of classical and jazz music. What is important for the music industry to understand is that this [piracy] really doesn’t hurt the artists."

Organizations that support piracy like the Pirate Bay have been saying this for years, but this is the first time the words have come out of a successful artists lips.

50 Cent then went on to say: “A young fan may be just as devout and dedicated no matter if he bought it or stole it. The concerts are crowded and the industry must understand that they have to manage all the 360 degrees around an artist. They, (the industry), have to maximize their income from concerts and merchandise. It is the only way they can get their marketing money back.”

“The main problem is that the artists are not getting as much help developing as before file-sharing. They are now learning to peddle ringtones, not records” he said.
"They don’t understand the value of a perfect piece of art.”

To give a brief synopsis, 50 Cent believes that the fanbase that he would otherwise not reach because of the price of the music has a value in itself. Also, the merchandising from this fanbase makes up for the possible monetary loss.

In other news, Microsoft has devised a new system to make up for the recent doing away with some of the anti-piracy features of Vista. If one is willing to give up their computer privacy for three months, they can earn a copy of Vista or Microsoft Word 2007.

It works like this:

1. You install a program that monitors all input and output in your computer
2. Wait three months while doing nothing illegal lest the RIAA show up on your doorstep
3. Fill out survey
4. Free Vista!

Ok, first of all, what software pirate would give up their privacy for three months?
Secondly, what person in their right mind would give up their privacy for three months?
Third, why would anyone want Vista anyway? A new operating system is likely to come out in 2008 anyway. For more on this, see this article.

EDIT: Microsoft pulled down their offer on Tuesday, due to large demand.