Copyright

After today's class I learned a lot about copyright infringement, specifically relating to illegally downloading music on college networks. The RIAA, MPAA, ESA are particularly interested in campus-based file sharing even though it is estimated that only 4% of actual file sharing occurs on college campuses. The reason behind going after such a small percentage is due to the fact that it is easier for these companies to track certain IP addresses related to a college network and locate potential violators. A school as small as Trinity has all ready been subpoenaed four times in cases with the RIAA, which goes to show just how serious the music and movie industries are on cracking down on illegal sharing.

I believe that it is smart for the recording industries to primarily focus on colleges, since it is so much easier for them to correctly identify any infringement. Going after the general public, there is the possibility that the industries could mistakenly accuse an innocent citizen. Opening a lawsuit against such an individual could result in facing counter lawsuits, as is the case with Tanya Anderson, http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/09/17/face_music_part1/. The RIAA opened a case against Ms. Anderson for the trading of 1,046 music files, however it turned out that the files belonged to a man who lived 200 miles away. Reluctant to believe Ms. Anderson's plea of innocence from the beginning, the RIAA now faces counter suits that could total a hefty amount.

As for myself, knowing that students at Trinity are having lawsuits filed against them, leaves me afraid to attempt to illegally download any files here on campus. I know the call home to tell my parents that I am being sued and will likely have to agree on a settlement somewhere on average between $13,000 and $17,000, would not go over too smoothly. The risks of downloading on campus are just not worth it. As for when I am home for the summer or any other vacation however, the urge to download is much greater. As mentioned above, the music and recording industries strictly focus on college networks, so the risk of getting caught while at home, although still possible, are much less likely. Plus when I'm at home, if I were to ever get caught, I could always blame it on one of my brothers.

The Wireless Campus

Even though I connect to the Internet from my desktop with an Ethernet cable, I still use Trinity's wireless network daily. My most frequent use of it, is probably receiving emails from others who are hooked up wirelessly. Having access to a wireless network I believe is extraordinarily beneficial. As enticing as it might be to browse Facebook or check ones email during class, to me the advantages far outdo the cons. Being in college, I believe we are mature enough to make the right decisions when it comes to something like this. Some of the benefits that come with wireless access is being able to follow along with a teacher during class by pulling up lecture notes or homework assignments. It is even possible to leave your room with your computer, if you need a break from your roommate, and still have access to all the same resources that you had sitting in your dorm. Simply put, having access to a wireless network enables us to communicate with the resources around us much more efficiently. I am able to look past the distractions it may cause in order to take advantage of the many benefits it possesses.



Robert Perry, executive director of the South Dakota Board of Regents, believes it is crucial to give college students the technological atmosphere they will face once they leave college - http://www.brookingsregister.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=76&story_id=2929