Copying CD's and DVD's

[MorningStar]

I've been quite surprised at the number of people who think it's OK to copy CD's and DVD's. That's their business, but I find it extremely awkward when friends and relatives ask to borrow my movies or music so they can copy them. I'm fine with letting people borrow my stuff for whatever reason they want, but once they add that they are going to do that, I feel less inclined to let them.

How do you handle this? And do you keep it if someone gives you copied music or movies as a gift?

I asked a friend of mine why she thinks it's OK. She said, "Once I purchase something, I feel like I should get to use it as I see fit. I'm not selling it." Yeah, but I bet the artists don't feel that way about it.

[Fiannan]

Originally Posted by MorningStar

I've been quite surprised at the number of people who think it's OK to copy CD's and DVD's. That's their business, but I find it extremely awkward when friends and relatives ask to borrow my movies or music so they can copy them. I'm fine with letting people borrow my stuff for whatever reason they want, but once they add that they are going to do that, I feel less inclined to let them.

How do you handle this? And do you keep it if someone gives you copied music or movies as a gift?

I asked a friend of mine why she thinks it's OK. She said, "Once I purchase something, I feel like I should get to use it as I see fit. I'm not selling it." Yeah, but I bet the artists don't feel that way about it.

Don't sweat over it. The US Supreme Court ruled in the 1980s that you can tape something on a VCR off the TV if it is for your own use. Nowadays people have DVD recorders so the way I see it if a movie has been on TV then the assuption should be that it could have been recorded anyway.

As for the gift thing I think it is tacky -- I just would not do it. I wouldn't want to get a book copied on a copy machine and I think the same is applicable here.

As for the related issue of downloading that depends I suppose on what the laws are in the country you live in. In some countries it is okay as long as you don't share files and don't copy materials to sell.

[MorningStar]

I guess I'm sensitive to that stuff. A relative built a computer for us with pirated Microsoft software and I immediately found someone to get us Windows XP for a good price. Our relative hates Microsoft and loves sticking it to them.

I find it odd though when someone asks me if they can borrow 20 of my movies or I tell a friend I rented such and such and then they say they want to bring over their laptop so they can copy it. I don't want to lecture them, but it bothers me.

[Canuck Mormon]

Copying rented movies is different. If you bought the movie, than you have every right to do with it as you please (except sell bootlegged copies).

[MorningStar]

I would see nothing wrong with copying a movie for myself as a back-up. So many of them have gotten scratched. To me, that would be insuring my purchase. I also have no problem making mixed CD's using the ones I own.

As a musician, I think it would really bother me if I were trying to sell CD's and people who want to buy them weren't buying them because someone copied the one they bought for $16 20 times. If I were stinking rich though, I would give it away for free.

[MorningStar]

Oh, also, I have no issues copying things that are out of print.

[kona0197]

Look into how much the MPAA and the RIAA take from the artists and actors and you wouldn't feel so bad about coping movies and music.

You are allowed to make backup copies of your movies and music as far as I know.

[Flyonthewall]

I have always understood that making a "backup" copy of a movie or CD that you have purchasedis fine and dandy, but copying anything else is not legal.
I'm not a lawyer, so I can't be sure, but this is how I have viewed it.

If someone wanted to borrow something so they can copy it, I would say something like "ya know that against copyright laws, don't ya?". Not to be mean about it, but to be informative.

[kona0197]

On the flip side if you do copy a movie and tell no one who is going to find out? If the authorities do find out I doubt they would care as everyone does it and they can't put everyone in jail.

[MorningStar]

It's not about getting caught - it's about right and wrong.