Thought I'd share what came in our local internet news this morning.
Apparently record companies have had a change of heart and rather than suing people for downloading music (those that don't pay - boo and hiss!), they are now offering free music at this new site.
(Quote) "Monday, September 17, 2007
On the Net: New free downloading site reflects desperation of music industry
A new website named SpiralFrog allows visitors - with label approval - to download music free of charge. It launched Monday in the U.S. and Canada after a beta-testing period.
The fine site features more than 800,000 tracks and 3,500 music videos, and promises hundreds of thousands more soon. It makes money through advertising, rather than by the 99-cent downloads popularized by Apple's iTunes.
SpiralFrog also places limits on how users play the music they download. A visitor is required to register before downloading. Songs come with copy protections and cannot be burned to a CD. Music can be transferred to some digital music players, though not Apple's iPod.
Even though the Recording Industry Association of America has sued thousands of people for illegally downloading music without charge, the labels are experimenting with doing just that: giving away their product and record companies part of its advertising revenue.
Songs from several big acts can be found, including Maroon 5, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Weezer, Amy Winehouse and Kanye West. All the tracks from many albums are available (from the Who's "Who Sell Out" to Nirvana's "In Utero") so the content here is no small potatoes". (Unquote)
Source and full story:
http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/article.en...ticleID=2755805
Full Version: Free top music - legitimately download ...
Very interesting idea.
The music service, which has arranged to pay record companies a cut of its advertising revenue, aims to lure music fans who normally flock to online file-swapping networks
MSNBC
To download songs at the SpiralFrog Web site, you will need to be using a computer platform that runs either Windows XP or Windows Vista.
You will also need to have Windows Media Player Version 10 or 11 installed on your computer. To download Windows Media Payer Version 11 free from Microsoft ...For Windows
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP
Windows Media Player 10
The music service, which has arranged to pay record companies a cut of its advertising revenue, aims to lure music fans who normally flock to online file-swapping networks
QUOTE
“We believe it will be a very powerful alternative to the pirate sites,” said Joe Mohen, chairman and founder of New York-based SpiralFrog Inc. “With SpiralFrog you know what you’re getting ... there’s no threat of viruses, adware or spyware.”
To deter users from posting copies of songs and videos they get from SpiralFrog, the service requires that users register and log on to the site at least once a month. Otherwise, the content locks up and can’t be played.
To deter users from posting copies of songs and videos they get from SpiralFrog, the service requires that users register and log on to the site at least once a month. Otherwise, the content locks up and can’t be played.
MSNBC
To download songs at the SpiralFrog Web site, you will need to be using a computer platform that runs either Windows XP or Windows Vista.
You will also need to have Windows Media Player Version 10 or 11 installed on your computer. To download Windows Media Payer Version 11 free from Microsoft ...For Windows
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP
Windows Media Player 10
Mhhm nice try, but wont get me with it. If I want to download music it ought to be DRM free and I can do what I want with it. Be it copy to my 12 pcs (which I obviously dont have) or burn it to a dozen backup CDs. I am sick and tired of being made a criminal before even having done anything. The American Recording Industry is just the biggest... I have come across. It does not wonder me at all that the illegal downloads rise and rise in numbers. If they will not wake from their "Dornroeschen schlaf", its their problem not mine.
I like the Itunes free DRM offer for a low price. Although it could be a bit cheaper, I d rather pay that, than 99c for DRM. Only thing that still keeps me from using that Itunes service, is that itself has some copy restrictions that are not entirely clear to me yet and I am hesitant to "dive into the blue."
A very interesting Blog entry on a German site, is this one (its a google translated link
). Sorry if the google translated dont always make sense, but the main idea should be able to be grasped.
I very much agree with what was written there
NB: A side note is that I very much support the music industry, but rather the low budget labels and artists than the major labels in terms of going to smallish concerts and buying CDs directly from the artists. Unless they dont change their ideology I wont bother to buy new CDs and just listen to Online radio or other legal ways of recording music (although I have to say that a lot of the mainstream music has become pretty crap and repetitive).
PS: LOL I just went to that site mentioned above. Another reason why I wouldnt bother is that you are not supplied with any info whatsoever, before signing up. Why signing up for, if you are not able to see what you sign up for? *sigh*
I like the Itunes free DRM offer for a low price. Although it could be a bit cheaper, I d rather pay that, than 99c for DRM. Only thing that still keeps me from using that Itunes service, is that itself has some copy restrictions that are not entirely clear to me yet and I am hesitant to "dive into the blue."
A very interesting Blog entry on a German site, is this one (its a google translated link
). Sorry if the google translated dont always make sense, but the main idea should be able to be grasped. I very much agree with what was written there
NB: A side note is that I very much support the music industry, but rather the low budget labels and artists than the major labels in terms of going to smallish concerts and buying CDs directly from the artists. Unless they dont change their ideology I wont bother to buy new CDs and just listen to Online radio or other legal ways of recording music (although I have to say that a lot of the mainstream music has become pretty crap and repetitive).
PS: LOL I just went to that site mentioned above. Another reason why I wouldnt bother is that you are not supplied with any info whatsoever, before signing up. Why signing up for, if you are not able to see what you sign up for? *sigh*
Unfortunately, the music industry is just now attempting to understand the internet and the needs and wishes of modern customers after burying their heads in the sand for far too many years.
I for one welcome the many different experiments currently going on for finding a new economic model that will be fair to the consumer as well as fair to the artist.
Z
I for one welcome the many different experiments currently going on for finding a new economic model that will be fair to the consumer as well as fair to the artist.
Z
Check out this place.
http://www.qtrax.com/
I'm not sure if it up and running yet but looks good if it get going.
I think some of the guys from Spiral Frog are involved.
http://www.qtrax.com/
I'm not sure if it up and running yet but looks good if it get going.
I think some of the guys from Spiral Frog are involved.
My daughter always uses LimeWire.com. It seems to work ok, she sure has burned alot of CD's.
You can even find the 'old' stuff, you know, the music you make your kids sit and listen to - even though they don't want too.
You can even find the 'old' stuff, you know, the music you make your kids sit and listen to - even though they don't want too.
Gosh, I'm gonna sound like a goofus here - but is LimeWire safe to use? As in music authorized for free download, etc. Asking because when I clicked on it, apparently one must download some software to use it, etc.
Have bookmarked qtrax.com ... apparently they are having a "few technical issues due to overwhelming response" right now - but back I will go later.
Thanks so much!
Have bookmarked qtrax.com ... apparently they are having a "few technical issues due to overwhelming response" right now - but back I will go later.
Thanks so much!
QUOTE (Mara @ Feb 5 2008, 01:07 AM) 
Gosh, I'm gonna sound like a goofus here - but is LimeWire safe to use? As in music authorized for free download, etc. Asking because when I clicked on it, apparently one must download some software to use it, etc.
Have bookmarked qtrax.com ... apparently they are having a "few technical issues due to overwhelming response" right now - but back I will go later.
Thanks so much!
Have bookmarked qtrax.com ... apparently they are having a "few technical issues due to overwhelming response" right now - but back I will go later.
Thanks so much!
We haven't had any probs that I know of. It made it through my filters ok. The version she uses is more or less a demo so you have to deal with the 'commercials' for the "pro" model.
QUOTE (Mara @ Feb 5 2008, 02:07 AM)
Gosh, I'm gonna sound like a goofus here - but is LimeWire safe to use? As in music authorized for free download, etc. Asking because when I clicked on it, apparently one must download some software to use it, etc.
I don't wish to get in the debate of what is right and what is wrong, but as in "authorized for free download", no it's not
Mark
from what I know is filesharing legal in CN. Therefore you should not be in trouble in that concern. However, I shall post my standard speech to users of p2p software, just to give you some further reading and understanding:
Back in the days where it was mainly Limewire that was bundled with spyware, I used to post this:
Hope this helps.
YoHi.
QUOTE
Your log(s) show that you are using so called peer-to-peer or file-sharing programmes (in your case Limewire). These programmes allow to share files between users as the name(s) suggest. In today's world the cyber crime has come to an enormous dimension and any means is used to infect personal computers to make use of their stored data or machine power for further propagation of the malware files. A popular means is the use of file-sharing tools as a tremendous amount of prospective victims can be reached through it.
It is therefore possible to be infected by downloading manipulated files via peer-to-peer tools and thus suggested to be used with intense care. Some further readings on this subject, along the included links, are as follows: "File-Sharing, otherwise known as Peer To Peer" and "Risks of File-Sharing Technology."
It is also important to note that sharing entertainment files and proprietary software infringes the copyright laws in many countries over the world and you are putting yourself at risk of being indicted through organisations watching over the rights of the authors of such files (i.e. the RIAA for music files, or the MPAA for movie files in the USA) or the authors of the files themselves.
Naturally there are also legal ways to use these services, such as downloading Linux distributions or office suites such as "Open Office."
It is therefore possible to be infected by downloading manipulated files via peer-to-peer tools and thus suggested to be used with intense care. Some further readings on this subject, along the included links, are as follows: "File-Sharing, otherwise known as Peer To Peer" and "Risks of File-Sharing Technology."
It is also important to note that sharing entertainment files and proprietary software infringes the copyright laws in many countries over the world and you are putting yourself at risk of being indicted through organisations watching over the rights of the authors of such files (i.e. the RIAA for music files, or the MPAA for movie files in the USA) or the authors of the files themselves.
Naturally there are also legal ways to use these services, such as downloading Linux distributions or office suites such as "Open Office."
Back in the days where it was mainly Limewire that was bundled with spyware, I used to post this:
QUOTE
The most current version of Limewire is reported to include spyware. LimeWire 4.9.28 is clean (Older and newer version may not be). Chances are junk was bundled with this product even if you paid for it. If you are going to use p2p file sharing, I suggest you choose a safe program from here: http://p2p.malwareremoval.com/.
If you use P2P software, make sure you are careful about what you open and what P2P program you install. Malware is all over the P2P networks and the programs often come bundled with Adware and Spyware.
Further readings of interest in regards to the p2p "issue" are: http://pcpitstop.com/spycheck/p2p.asp and this: http://pcpitstop.com/spycheck/badtorrent.asp
If you use P2P software, make sure you are careful about what you open and what P2P program you install. Malware is all over the P2P networks and the programs often come bundled with Adware and Spyware.
Further readings of interest in regards to the p2p "issue" are: http://pcpitstop.com/spycheck/p2p.asp and this: http://pcpitstop.com/spycheck/badtorrent.asp
Hope this helps.
YoHi.
Thanks so much for clarifying what is and isn't legal downloads! Things can be so confusing with all the internet access to things now and I bet lots of people download music not even knowing it's a 'no-no'.
also to be considerred: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/02/01/limewire-breach.html
Good Info, Thanks!
I have a question,and hope someone knows.
What is the law regarding downloading Videos from UTUBE? Thanks.
What is the law regarding downloading Videos from UTUBE? Thanks.
YouTube TOS - 5.A
Thus suggests to me that the actual downloading is not illegal, as long as it is for your personal use.
hth,
Yohi
QUOTE
A. The content on the YouTube Website, except all User Submissions (as defined below), including without limitation, the text, software, scripts, graphics, photos, sounds, music, videos, interactive features and the like ("Content") and the trademarks, service marks and logos contained therein ("Marks"), are owned by or licensed to YouTube, subject to copyright and other intellectual property rights under the law. Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only and may not be downloaded, copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, broadcast, displayed, sold, licensed, or otherwise exploited for any other purposes whatsoever without the prior written consent of the respective owners. YouTube reserves all rights not expressly granted in and to the Website and the Content.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/t/termsThus suggests to me that the actual downloading is not illegal, as long as it is for your personal use.
hth,
Yohi
Thanks for that information, 'Yourhighness' Much appreciated. 
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.