Mp3 Downloads

Years ago the music world was changed irrevocably with the first music file shared. It brought an instant technological revolution that is still being fought between the record labels and some music lovers - the battle over illegally swapping music files versus doing it according to the restructured copyright laws that were enacted in the wake of the tidal wave of mp3 downloads.

Today, many popular sites exist that are hubs for downloading legal MP3s. The record companies are not opposed to MP3s, because the contracts in place determine that they receive a significant portion of the profits generated by sales of legal MP3 downloads. Various studies provide differing views concerning the effect of legal MP3 downloads on their bottom line. Some experts believe that legal MP3 downloads actually create greater profits because of the ease and convenience with which they are purchased and downloaded, and that downloading one or two legal songs often becomes a precursor to a fan purchasing CDs from the artist.

Since 2003, more than 2 billion songs have been sold through legal MP3 sites. Other industry watchers take the opposite view, noting that CD sales have fallen about 20% annually, on average, since the rise of the internet, and in particular, the introduction of MP3s. Assigning the right portion of that drop-off to illegally shared MP3s is very tricky mathematics. However, no one denies the reality that illegal downloads and music files shared through P2P networks cost the music companies and their artists an enormous amount of money. These losses affect record label employees as well as those of recording studios and record stores. In other words, the little guys get hurt right along with the big guys.

The record labels have chosen to join the MP3 revolution, trying to regulate it so that they and their artists receive compensation for the products they put out. The alternative, fighting an expensive and ongoing legal battle with dubious prospects of weeding out the organic P2P networks, is very unattractive. Most labels now partner with sites that sell legal MP3 downloads. It is the new reality, and most insiders believe that with regulation, good marketing, and robust copyright protection laws, increased profitability will follow.

Music buffs love MP3s and the convenience and portability they present for accessing new music. Many continue to download files illegally, either from P2P networks or from sites still skirting detection and/or prosecution. The reality is that if something can be gained for free, even if illegally, some people will take advantage of it. However, a growing number of music fans see illegal MP3 file sharing as harmful, eroding the quality of the music produced. In addition, a sense of fairness tends to prevail with most fans who appreciate getting paid for the work they do, and believe their favorite artists should enjoy the same privilege. This is especially true today, since the diversity of music artists on the scene means that most of them are not making enormous amounts of money, and are truly affected by the loss of potential income. Most enthusiasts therefore choose to support their efforts by legally purchasing their music in various forms, presenting a win-win situation for all concerned.

For a choice of over four million (DRM free) legal Mp3 downloads see officialmp3s.com where ease buying legal music downloads is easy with options to pay through PayPal or on your mobile phone bill.

Article Source: Articles World

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Andy Moore

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