The line between what is and is not ethical in regards to file sharing is not clear. I believe there are very few instances that can justify stealing or sharing music online because it is never necessary. It is easy to argue for stealing food or water if someone can’t afford to feed themselves or their family. It is an entirely different story however to steal music you never have the intention of actually buying.
Downloading a song you don't own from a major label artist.
I assume this means illegally downloading (as in not paying for the song via a service like itunes or napster). This is wrong and should be illegal. An artist (and even the chain of people who actually profit from their work) should be paid for their work. While it may seem impractical to some people to support everyone associated with one song or album despite having nothing to do with the music’s creative process, these people still have some work invested in this product. I totally support artist-user web access sites, or collectively shared access sites like the one suggested by the EFF.
Downloading a song you don't own from a struggling independent artist.
The same argument applies here, except now illegally downloading from independent artists seems more offensive because the fact that they support themselves is more transparent.
I’m not sure exactly why someone would download another copy of a song they already own, however, if they have bought the song once, they should not need to buy it again. I consider digital music like a license, once you buy an album or song you have purchased the right to do with it what you see fit, within reason. This doesn’t entitle you to make multiple copies of a song to hand out, however, if you’re using a song or album for your own consumption in it’s purest form, then you should have every right to do that. There is something to be said then for supporting file-sharing networks that normally cater to illegally downloaded music in this situation. This should be avoided. If possible, just burn the CD or copy the digital files you already have.
This is totally illegal and inappropriate.
Downloading a song to "try it out" - if you like it enough, you'll buy the CD.
While I want to say this is acceptable, the easy of use to preview most songs online (via artist websites, last.fm, fan sites, and legal music downloading sites) doesn’t warrant illegal downloading in this situation.
Copying a CD from a friend.
Its one thing if a copied CD is a gift (although still probably not ethical), but to ask and copy a CD from a friend probably isn’t ethical. I would and have done this, but that doesn’t make it right.
Making your music available online to share with a couple of friends.
I am completely in support of sharing music, because unless you’re stealing the music, it is still somewhat remote and thus encourages legal music downloads to ensure portable music. You need to be on the same network as someone else, ie: you both need to be connected, unless you’re traveling together, you’re stuck in one physical space. Sharing music is a great way to broaden your musical paradigm. I have definitely listened to someone else’s music over a network and been motivate to pursue or purchase an artist’s music.
Making your music publicly available on the Internet, such as through KazAa or Limewire.
This I do not do and cannot agree with if it is encouraging massive illegal downloading. It’s one thing if you want to share original audio you created. However, you essentially bought the license, that doesn’t give you the right to distribute. If you want to share music with a friend who is not connected to the same network, you should find alternatives, or send them a link to the artist’s webpage.
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