Since I started reading these forums more I’ve noticed something the admins put up with time and again, illegal mp3 posting or links to illegal mp3s because members are so focused on getting some great rare LP songs that they read about all the time but do not know how to get outside this site or can’t. That policy is smart and it’s a credit to the admins for keeping the site from getting into potential legality issues, but there has to be a legal and creative way to make sure everyone can have access. I think it’s quite discouraging and rude to them by being told that they can’t have the song unless they find it on a rare cd or for example buy Hybrid Theory EP off E-Bay (just about all are fake) when we all ourselves have probably downloaded it off a P2P file sharing program or got it some other means off a computer in a manner LPA would consider “illegal” from it’s use of the term. This problem will keep repeating itself because hardcore fans will want to hear Hybrid Theory EP, demos, unreleased songs, etc. just like we all did. I’m not one to offer just the problem and not a potential solution so would it be illegal from now on to refer people who want these rare tracks to continue searching the P2P networks or something similar? It’s a much better answer than “you have to buy Hybrid Theory EP off E-Bay” or something unrealistic like that; a clear cut and friendly policy on rare mp3s would save this site and the admins a lot of grief and point people in the right direction; as it stands currently it is NOT illegal to use Kazaa or any P2P network, it is only illegal to share copyrighted files so advocating the use of P2P or even other LP fansites wouldn’t be illegal and a big help to people who honestly look to the site for guidance in finding these songs. Even if my solution doesn’t resemble anything constructive maybe someone can fix this. Remember that we all at one point started somewhere by asking or searching ourselves or may have even received help from someone, how would you feel if you got the “E-Bay” answer if you wanted to know something?…just applying a little “golden rule” logic here.
Recommending others to use P2P Networks create a small chance of the site being shut down by promoting the use of "illegal" technology, as the RIAA has been cracking down for ages. A lot of us use P2P Software I'm sure, but I don't think any of us want to risk recommending software to illegally download music just because of some eager fans, and have these nice forums and the site in general shut down.
Recommending others to use P2P Networks create a small chance of the site being shut down by promoting the use of "illegal" technology, as the RIAA has been cracking down for ages. A lot of us use P2P Software I'm sure, but I don't think any of us want to risk recommending software to illegally download music just because of some eager fans, and have these nice forums and the site in general shut down. [/b][/quote] Understood, but again I believe the use of P2P networks isn't illegal, otherwise anyone possessing any P2P network files would face legal action and the sites that Kazaa or Winmx are on would shut down instantly; it's only illegal to offer or share, that's why they go after those that share a large amount of music, not those who simply download the .exe files off these sites. Like I said, I might not have the solution, but the policy of pointing people in a pointless direction was mainly why I posted, we were all at one time "eager" for help or to search ourselves.
The RIAA cannot shut down programs like Kazaa. With Kazaa, a user downloads a song off another user hence the name peer to peer. The only think The RIAA could do is sue users.
I always thought that Linkin Park supported the free downloading of demos. Since they won't make any money for it since they weren't released through a major or minor record label. But since it's the LPA's policy, I won't contradict it. On a side note, I hate the RIAA. I mean, the only thing the RIAA is saving is the Record Company from going bankrupt. Most of a albums profit goes to the record label. I think an artist only makes around 18 cents a record sale.
Linkin Park DOES support downloading of mp3s for free, and I understand why LPA cannot have people posting mp3s, but I think we need to be more realistic and helpful sometimes as I haven't seen it in the past.
It's really less than that. But even though LP support downloading, the RIAA in general does not. Even though they're not making money for it, it is property of the major labels, and hence can be grounds for being sued. Life sucks.
Just want to jump in and add a few things here: 1. Joe specifically stated he isn't a fan of illegal downloading of LP's songs, and regardless what the band thinks anyway, they are members of RIAA and have no control over the issue at hand. 2. I haven't checked recently, but to my knowledge, Kazaa is no longer downloadable and the government is doing their best at getting rid of many of these programs. For us to "guide" you to these links, in the eyes of the RIAA, is basically being an accessory to manslaughter. After all, P2P programs are in essence, simply guides to find songs, they don't control what you can or cannot do with them. We simply can't take the chance of suggesting where to get copyrighted material. 3. Sure, people may help you in your quest, but those most dedicated in getting the material off the internet, will have to be steadfast and persistent. Asking just won't get you anywhere. Least of all on a major message board with constant moderation. 4. There isn't a soul I know that doesn't know how to use a damn search engine and find the "guides", "helpers", or songs themselves. If you're not willing to take initiative, you should not even bother to ask others for help. 5. Lastly, and perhaps of most importance, because downloading copyrighted songs is a punishable offense in the US, if the LPA were to help or allow it, and were shut down, we would not only never return to the net again, but could possibly go to jail or pay a ridiculous fine. The RIAA are extremely strict with this stuff.
What about if a Canadian member asked to find a song on a P2P network, and a Canadian member responded with the answer? Surely that's legal since it's legal in Canada.
In that case, you wouldn't have any legal liablilty, however since LPA is hosted in the USA and is the medium through which you asked, LPA could in theory still get in trouble. Personally I still think the odds of LPA getting in trouble are slim because it's a smaller website than linkinpark.com or LPU but that stuff goes on all the time at those sites and they haven't gotten in any trouble, I'd think the RIAA would go after big sites/messageboards first...but regardless, it's a better move on the LPA's part to just stay safe.
In that case, you wouldn't have any legal liablilty, however since LPA is hosted in the USA and is the medium through which you asked, LPA could in theory still get in trouble. Personally I still think the odds of LPA getting in trouble are slim because it's a smaller website than linkinpark.com or LPU but that stuff goes on all the time at those sites and they haven't gotten in any trouble, I'd think the RIAA would go after big sites/messageboards first...but regardless, it's a better move on the LPA's part to just stay safe. [/b][/quote] The problem some of you don't seem to understand is, this isn't like our warning policy on LPA. With the RIAA, one-strike and you're out. Plus, there are other sites that seem to have animosity towards us and were we to allow this, they may notify the RIAA if one were so inclined. So again, and hopefully for the last time, we cannot allow any file-trading, sharing or linking to copyrighted material. Use a search engine. Sorry if this comes off as rude, it's not meant to be, but it's the same question popping up every so often...
It does come off as rude, but I can understand why it would. What I asked was something that has been on my mind for awhile, and also bugs me.
Well put it this way. I have tons of LP tracks. And the ONLY one that came from LPA was "Now I See". This was back in the day before the downloads "went away". You don't need LPA for filetrading.
I'm not sure I understand anymore. Do people want us to let people post links to the albums here? If that's the case, does nobody else see how risky that sounds? As far as unreleased/b-side/demos goes, those will be up when we get a viable host. We didn't take those off to avoid legality issues; rather a lack of suitable bandwidth. I'm not going to close this, but I'd prefer no one put in anymore input since we won't allow illegal copyrighted music links, that's just out of the question. Unless someone gets us a legal waiver from Linkin Park and the RIAA that we won't be held liable... Please guys, just use a P2P program. They are not difficult to find at all.
In general?! They don't allow downloading at all. They are a bunch of ignorant, stuck up, money hungry pricks.