[wizzler]

How is this kind of music copying different from the thing I did as a kid, using reel to reel tape recorder to record songs off the radio?

It's not different. Both are illegal.

The difference in terms of real-world consequences is that: (A) you were untraceable; and (B) you were one person making one copy. Today, of course, we have a worldwide network of millions copying and distributing a potentially infinite number of copyrighted works. In that sense, from the copyright holders' standpoint, it's a difference of degree.

A big difference of degree.

[motexva]

Actually wizzler, copy of stuff to reel to reel was never considered illegal, say 20 years ago. It's only in the digital age that the RIAA has tried to carry their valid copyrights to such ludicrous extremes. I'd like to see you get up in a court and argue that making one copy constituted "distribution."

While I don't foresee unfettered p2p copying of copyrighted material being supported by the courts, I don't think you RIAA types are going to be happy at all when the courts "clarify" some of your heavy handed interpretations of copyright law.

[gd124]

Do libraries really buy authorized copies of books and CDs? What about books donated to the library?