[Mael-list] Re: Stealing Sparks

[giant.squid at virgin.net]

> I resent the statement below. Saving a sub-standard video file that bears 
no 
> resemblance to a released version, either in the past, now, or in the 
> future, that has been posted on the web legitimately, is not stealing. 

If it's meant for streaming only and you download it then it's theft regardless of 
whether you or I approve or not.  

It is 
> what it always has been: the common practice of copying by hobbyists and 
> music lovers for the efficent storing and sharing of music.

If you are taking something from the net that is meant for watching only and 
then distributing it, it's theft. If you went into a cinema with a camera 
and used that excuse when you were caught copying a movie for 'the efficent 
storing and sharing of movies', it wouldn't get you very far...

> It's true that Sparks have a right to decide in what manner they want to 
> present this file to the world. However people have their rights too, 
which 
> are reflected in common, legal practices such as copying.

Fair and reasonable use is fine if it's come from a source which has been paid 
for, but if this file is for streaming only, recording it and sharing it 
is theft. 

I'm not an innocent here, I and I don't necessarily agree with the notion of 
piracy, but until the law changes, taking stuff you've not paid for which 
is not meant to be owned by you is theft.