Computer Science 491/492

Senior Seminar

Dickinson College

Academic Year 2007/08

Andy Hulme

File Sharing and the Music Industry

Reading Assignment

• A brief history of filesharing (optional)
• p2p and Copyright Law (focus on section III, IV and V)
• 50 Cent Interview
• iTunes vs. p2p
• Thoughts on Music

Discussion Questions

1. How does music file sharing fit into the moral frameworks we've discussed in class? Is it moral to share music online for free? What does it mean to "own" the rights a piece of music?
2. Discuss and analyze some ways that the creator of a p2p network can be charged under copyright law. Do you agree with indirect liability? Why or why not?
3. Discuss the indirect liability cases thus far. How are they the same? How are they different?
4. Do you think music file sharing hurts artists? Does it hurt the record companies? Why or why not?
5. Are there any instances where music file sharing can help an artist?
6. Do you agree that iTunes and p2p networks can exist together harmoniously (pun intended)? Why or why not?
7. If p2p networks offer free music, what are some reasons why customers would choose iTunes? Why would they choose to use p2p networks?
8. In "Thoughts on Music", Steve Jobs suggests 3 possible alternatives for the future of DRM. Discuss the pros and cons to these 3 ideas. Which alternative do you think is best?
9. How do you think the music industry will change in the future? Discuss possible solutions to the current problems.