Isn't Filesharing A Socialist Activity?

[echidna]

the file sharing community, by circumventing the publishers distribution rights, are collectivising data product ownership.
i think that it is probably socialist and revolutionary and at least anarchist in the true situationist lineage of anarchy
the community is also peopled by many from nations traditionaly hostile to challenges to property and socialist ideas generally
i wonder what they think
is filesharing political?
why do you do it?
how do you rationalise it?
is filesharing 'un-american'?

[mobboss01]

It capitalizes your funds. Spend less on records, more cash in pocket.

[Jibbler]

Its theft, it has nothing to do with politics, and I'm okay with it.

[thegroggman]

LOl...ok you could try to complicate this all you like, but I agree with Jibbler. Someone who steals a video from a video store is not a socialist. And in essence thats what we're doing. We're a bunch of guys and gals to cheap to buy this stufff. Pure and simple.

[clocker]

The patron saint of Filesharing

[El_Jikobie]

I think file sharing will have\is having many social and political reprecusions.

It is important to note that the recording and movie/t.v. industries aren't really all that capitolist themselves. There are few companies that monopolise nearly all media. The value of it is what they set it at, there is no real competition going on. I know lots of very tallented musicians who aren't rich or famous. Sure most pop stars are great preformers, but lots of people could do what they do with millions in advertising, promotion, and personal trainers. They're not that special. They didn't really earn that money.

IMHO the advent of filesharing is akin to the invention of the printing press. Free (or near to free) access to all sorts of recorded media is what the masses are going to get out of the 'information age'. This is our right.

Just because it may not be viable in the future to make $10,000,000 by recording an album doesn't mean people will stop making music. It just means that music will be controled and defined by the people who love to make it, instead of some Hollywood suit who only cares about the bottom line.

[jetje]

Although your question is a nice one i think this debate better can be held in the lounge...

[echidna]

when you rip stuff off you usually try to sell it or at least keep it yourself
this sharing thing is something different, lots of people rip and share CDs they have bought
stealing is your rationalisation of what you are doing when you are 'sharing' ie. downloading [i'm guessing]
but the actual network of file sharers is more complex and less profitable than old fashioned property crime
people devote hardware and bandwidth to this stuff, buying land and then sharing it wouldn't be theft
i'm not trying to complicate this i'm just trying to look at it through an indirectly pragmatic lens
why is it?
the topic is directly about filesharing jetje
and what motivations might make people devote such energy and resource
i know it's good to give in order to get but people seem driven to give
look at the verifieds!


ed. clarification & type

[soopaman]

Originally posted by echidna@18 May 2003 - 17:42
the file sharing community, by circumventing the publishers distribution rights, are collectivising data product ownership.
i think that it is probably socialist and revolutionary and at least anarchist in the true situationist lineage of anarchy
the community is also peopled by many from nations traditionaly hostile to challenges to property and socialist ideas generally
i wonder what they think
is filesharing political?
why do you do it?
how do you rationalise it?
is filesharing 'un-american'?

I file share because I can't get enough music with my wages, even though I go out and buy music ,at least, 3 times a week!! Plus there's the advantage of getting rarities and unreleased tracks. I rationalise it by not giving a fuck about it!! I'm taking advantage of a decent, convenient product - as are all filesharers. I've always swapped music with my friends, now I can do it globally with anyone. If this happens to be against the law so be it!!

As for filesharing being political, I don't really think it is. Most of the users, and I'm generalising here, couldn't give a shit about the political motivations of filesharing. Sharing can't be anarchist because we are relying on multi-national companies to produce our computers, give us the communications technology to contact other computer owners, etc, etc. Socialism, although a nice idea, isn't gonna happen. Some "filesharers" are more equal than others!!! It doesn't work globally either, as evidenced by the fall of the Eastern Bloc countries in the late 1980's - early 1990's.

Also, echidna, why do 90% of your posts contain some sort of Anti-American sentiment or a few lines that could be interpreted as inflammatory?? Have you got a problem with the USA?? I don't think capitalism was created by the USA? It is as old as human civilization, check your history books for details!! I suppose you think America invented sharing as well. Sad.

[echidna]

Originally posted by soopaman

Also, echidna, why do 90% of your posts contain some sort of Anti-American sentiment or a few lines that could be interpreted as inflammatory?? Have you got a problem with the USA?? I don't think capitalism was created by the USA? It is as old as human civilization, check your history books for details!! I suppose you think America invented sharing as well. Sad

if read all my posts you might understand that i have no gripe with north americans who live south of canada [excepting war-mongers & fools]
i didn't think it would be inflamitory to equate socialism with un-american [remember the fifties]
i'm just curious
and more so as to the overwelming adherance to P2P and aversion to politics
trade, communication and crime are all political and relevent to filesharing
and all national juristictions have been breeched so it's a bit interesting
why can't filesharing be examined politically?

and i've gotta protest the move of this topic from filesharing, it is SO about filesharing
it's at least as relevant as the gender balance of P2P or topics of legality/illegality