Free Music Download Online
 

Would you like to try a free music download online? More and more music fans are finding what they want on the web.

When you get on there and start looking, you may feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there. What's the best way to go about looking for the music you want?


A much more serious issue when looking for music downloads, is all the conflicting information about the laws. Anyone who has ever downloaded music before is probably aware that the music industry has started suing individual users who are enjoying the music they have produced!


In spite of the threat of being sued, more and more people are using p2p programs. The numbers keep rising. Why are they still popular?


The Pew Internet Survey, taken in October 2003, found that the reason for the gaining popularity of these p2p networks is that people don't care if the music is copyrighted. Two-thirds of those asked gave that as their reason. In spite of the controversy and legal risks, people continue to use the networks.


But there is more to it than that. The survey found these reasons repeatedly cited for users' disregard for copyright laws:


- CDs are too expensive. The price has risen to an average of about $18 a CD.

- Most of the money goes to support the record company and pay for advertising and so forth, rather than going to the artists themselves.

- You can listen to a CD before buying it and make sure that the rest of the songs are worth buying.

- Some music is hard to find, especially small, indie-label artists who don't get much mainstream exposure.

- They say they have purchased the music and are allowed to use it however they please.


Although these are good points, and these attitudes reflect badly for the recording industry, they still have rights and the threat of a lawsuit is very real.


While the music industry has lost its suits against Morpheus and Grokster, they have managed to continue providing file sharing service through a kind of loophole. The music industry legal machine is simply regrouping and considering new tactics. It is certain that they will not stop trying until they can shut down all the file sharing networks.


Is there any way to download music on the web legally? Here are some tips on how to do it:


1) Before you do any downloading, look around on the web and see what kind of services are available. Make sure you know enough to make an informed decision.


2) Make sure you know the differences between the legal services and the file sharing networks.


3) Keep it legal. Never reproduce or distribute anything copyrighted online. If you don't do this, you will stay safe.


4) Use a site that is legit and legal, like Napster, iTunes, Musicmatch On Demand, or eMusic. They are completely legal, and you won't have to worry about getting sued.


Be sure to research these services thoroughly. If you have any questions that the website does not answer, email someone directly from their contact page. Be sure to get the facts straight. If they don't write you back, of if they continue to be vague about it, that's a sign that there is something fishy, and you should probably try another service.