[jaguar]

Oh trust me, I know more about IP than I care to remember. I am aware there are initial distribution costs but simply put, the paradigm has changed and the recording industry has not. Read that link for a better explanation. That does not change the fact I find the use of 'theft' and 'stolen' spin. There is a fundamental difference that needs to be recognized.

Secondly, our IP system is a fucking mess, both copyright and patent law need massive overhauls so say the least. As it stands they threaten freedom and innovation and will make global warming seem like a minor annoyance to future generations in terms of the damage it could do. Our society is more and more producing IP instead of physical products, striking the balance between creators rights and freedom is a very complex problem and the answers will vary area to area.

The recording industry in this form akin to a large dying animal, dying, but still dangerous, lashing out in all directions. Sooner it's dead the better for everyone. There are ways of paying artists without resorting to DRM and history suggests that it will be thrown in the garbage can where it belongs.

Call me cynical but morality doesn't come into it, this is the invisible hand of the market bitchslapping the recording industry and for a damn good reason. It's only going to get easier to move IP around, the involved industries simply have to adapt, they're running out of fingers and over the next 20 years the whole dam is going to break.