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I guess I will have to look up the relevent case law, because it's clear to me that you are the one who is completely unfamiliar with it. Because no one seriously argues that making one copy for personal use, or even making a copy for a friend (as long as no money changes hands) is an an actionable copyright infringement! If you distributed hundreds, sure, you might have a case, and I think RIAA has a case against the p2p-ers. These standards are well-established, for all media, from print to video to audio!

Is it illegal to tape a show with your VCR?

Is it illegal to post an article on FR?

Is it illegal to make a copy of a song or songs from a CD for friend, or to listen to in your tape stereo in your car?

No wizzler, it's not! Your absolutist position, shared by RIAA, has no basis in the case law that governs copyright in this country!

Like I said - they have a case against the p2p sharers, at least as near as I can tell they do. But your assertions are wrong, and you are apparently incapable of citing the relevent case law. But let me tell you wizzler, no matter your armchair opinion, the lawyers arguing both sides of this case are going to cite that law, and the judge is going to look to it for guidance. I suspect RIAA's absolutist position will carry little weight with them as they seek to navigate a new course through it. RIAA may win against the most abusive file sharers, but this claptrap you're trying to argue here has absolutely no basis in copyright law!

Is it illegal to tape a show with your VCR?

No, but that's because this is a particular scenario that was covered by a particular (and very famous) case in the Supreme Court many years ago. This was deemed fair use, based on a premise called "time-shifting" that applies to this specific scenario. It has no relevance to music downloads.

Is it illegal to post an article on FR?

Yes. But again, infringement is in the eye of the infringed. It's up to a copyright holder to pursue a claim of infringement. Only two so far have seen fit to do so.

Is it illegal to make a copy of a song or songs from a CD for friend,

Yes.

or to listen to in your tape stereo in your car?

No.

Now my question: Do you know what you're talking about?