[The Old Hoosier]

Now the culture is used to getting songs for free, and it's way too late to put THAT genie back in the bottle.

I disagree. It's a matter of simple economics that no one pays for what they can get for free.

As soon as artists stop writing songs--the logical economic conclusion of this ruling--then people will not be used to getting them for free any more.

Read my lips: no new music.

[=Intervention=]

*LOL* You can't concieve of a world without record companies, can you? Amazing. Music has always been and always will be. It's a part of the human experience.

[plain talk]

You are wrong. Sounds like you are way behind the curve on this one. Check out mp3.com You'd be surprised at the number of people who create and share music and get almost nothing in return. It may not be Sargent Pepper quality but music will go on and more and more people will create it, not fewer. The quality has already gone down. But the kids don't care.

[AndyTheBear]

As soon as artists stop writing songs--the logical economic conclusion of this ruling--

I have to disagree with this premis for two reasons:

1) Under the ruling it is still illegal to copy songs without permission.

2) No software can copy a live concert.

Furthermore, there are the rights of us software developers to consider. Unless the software was specifically designed for illegal activity, the musicians should have no right to go after us. Do you expect the courts to force musicical products to adhere to the best interests of other industries over their own?

[SauronOfMordor]

As soon as artists stop writing songs--the logical economic conclusion of this ruling--then people will not be used to getting them for free any more.

The vast majority of composers these days do it because the enjoy doing it. Only a hundred or so actually make any money in the recording industry paradigm. This may INCREASE the amount of composing that happens, as non-RIAA music gets more exposure, leading to more opportunities for live music

[greccogirl]

There are many things I could get for free on the 'net but I still buy CD's.