P2P as software / technical network
“At the most basic level, P2P refers to a ‘file sharing’ system that operates between peers– i.e. a network that is decentralised and works by allowing direct access of data from ‘peer’ to ‘peer’ (rather than a ‘client-server’ relationship. Although most famously associated with Napster, and latterly Kazaa and others, there are many different (and non-music orientated) forms of P2P software.” (Allen, n.d)
See ‘How the old Napster worked’
An Introduction to Peer-to-Peer Computing - David Barkai (Intel)
Prior to my studies I have thought or had very little to do with P2P, or file sharing. The readings on this subject do raise questions to whether file sharing should be encouraged or not and whether, as individual users, we are utilizing the internet ethically and legally.
Piracy is Good
Piracy is when electronic / audio-visual media is reproduced and used either personally or commercially without consent.
One example of piracy, and probably widely practiced, is when somebody buys a new CD and burns a copy for their car. Hiring a DVD and burning a copy for a personal library also common.
Theorist Mark Pesce gives insight into the bigger picture of piracy in the following reading:
Piracy is Good? How Battlestar Galactica killed braodcats TV. Part One: Hyperdistribution.
This article broadened my perception of piracy. What started out as an illegal entity, ended up with a beneficial outcome. If the viewing of Battlestar Galactia exceeded expectations and celebrated as most popular program even after a piracy conspiracy, then why is the practice shunned. Does word-of-mouth tempt a person to coddle in something that may not have previously sparked their interest.
Harry Potter is just one of many subjects familiar to Bit torrent practices.
Harry Potter and Half Blood Prince, 2005
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200507/22/eng20050722_197778.html
New Harry Potter Film, Prisoner of Azkaban, pirated online.
http://waxy.org/2004/06/new_harry_potte/
The children’s book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, leaked to Bit torrent in 2007.
http://www.teleread.org/blog/2007/07/19/harry-potter-piracy-yep-text-is-next/
Copies are OK, but it doesn’t compare to the real thing. Personally I prefer originals, and if I was given a copy of a really good CD, it would only prompt me to go out and purchase the original hardcopy or buy it on itunes.
In the question of software copyright, an article by Sam Williams, talks about how business can benefit from the practise.
Programs that are superceded by new programs can cease to attract purchase. Offer them as a free download, attract new users and in turn they could potentially upgrade to the better version or with word of mouth attract more users. Smart business for old products.
Information transfer
Peer to peer file sharing
"On the surface, the most obvious purpose of p2p is the transfer of some kind of data – most famously music – and films. However P2P networks can and are used for the transfer of all sorts of data – not just those that are copyrighted." (Allen, n.d)
P2P Networking: An Information-Sharing Alternative Parameswaran, Susarla & Whinston
Peer-to-Peer for Academia – Andy Oram
One of the most successful file sharing sites for downloading music was Napster. The ability to be able to find music that you liked without leaving your home and without having to purchase quickly became a phenonomen. Before Napster was shut down, due to obvious copyright violaltions, it generated 60 million visitors per month. Instead of a limited central database, P2P opened the doors for people to share their own music, from personal PC to personal PC. You just needed to be registered on the website to offer your music collection to other users.
There were/are other P2P systems, Kazaa and Gnutella to name a couple. In 2003, Napster relaunched, as a legal pay-for music site by Roxio.
Detailed information can be read at the following website regarding the above P2P systems.
Brian, M (1998-2008) http://www.howstuffworks.com/file-sharing.htm, page viewed 24 Jul. 08.
Community
"Reference is often made to the P2P ‘community’, indicating that the sharing and retrieval of information alone is not sufficient to account for the success of P2P software. For many, the communicative aspects of P2P are what made such networks so popular". (Allen, n.d)
See Henry Jenkins on the ‘community’ aspects of Napster:
‘Henry Jenkins, Playing Our Song?
Having the ability to offer something of your own with others openly represents a community. People coming together within a system where their interests are appreciated by others. The search for a song that is no longer available in a store is an exciting find through a P2P community. The whole purpose of peer to peer is to share, no strings attached.
Legal issues: copyright
"As with many other areas to do with the Net, our notions of what is subject to copyright in the electronic era are constantly being challenged and redefined. P2P has highlighted these issues, but an understanding of copyright and what can legally be transferred and copied on the Internet is increasingly a key part of any kind of Internet use." (Allen, n.d)
"Copying is Theft ..." And other legal myths in the looming battle over peer-to-peer. Mark Rasch
Rip, Mix, Burn: The Politics of Peer to Peer and Copyright Law by Kathy Bowrey and Matthew Rimmer -
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Since Napster
Copyright and file sharing
"The legal and ethical issues raised by peer-to-peer file-sharing technology can be complex with the control of publicly distributed peer networks being virtually impossible to monitor. Also most peer-to-peer file-sharing technology is designed to provide free information allowing exchange of content; this has raised controversy with arguments stating this freedom has in turn deprived artists of royalties owed in ‘conventional’ sales (Flew). Alternatively others have argued the development of subscription-based sites could increase digital music revenues to be worth over two billion dollars (US) as long as record labels made it easy to buy songs". Mathieson G (2005)
The ability to copy CDs’ or DVD’s is not as easy as it used to be before file sharing. The encryption of future products, dampening the spirits of hiring a heap of new releases from the local video store and building a personal library.
There is now decrypting software available but realistically, I think it is much easier just to do the right thing and purchase the original product.
Copying media and old P2P sites will always be in existence, how we conduct our activities is our own responsibility. Copyright Laws are very clear and if a user chooses to download or share unethically, then they will risk prosecution.
P2P sites of today require a fee in exchange for music downloads. Because it is only minimal, around $1 per song, its instant and choice select features appeals to a lot of online users. The down side of buying an album from a CD shop usually meant there were songs on the album that were less liked. Now you have the choice to only buy the ones that you really like. A very versatile system, and with the packed features today in MP3 players, you can still enjoy the album covers.
Security and privacy
"As with many other Internet uses, another element in the ‘ecology’ of P2P is the issue of security – with the unprecedented access to other users computers offered by large scale file sharing have come a host of viruses, spyware and adware that can potentially compromise the security and privacy of individual computers". (Allen, n.d)
Pcstats Beginners Guides: Spyware Protection and Removal
Gene and Katie Hamilton, Is Your Computer Talking To Strangers?
Protect Your Privacy With Antitracking Software, Smart Computing, January 2002 • Vol.13 Issue 1, pp. 48-51.
spychecker have lists of known spyware, and downloads of various anti-spyware tools
Approximately 5 years ago I had major problems with what was a relatively new computer. Looking over the shoulder of the PC technician, I was eager for answers. It didn’t take him long to find the culprit. Kazaa, downloaded by my two sons without me realizing, had corrupted our PC. In an attempt in the days prior, I had uninstalled numerous programs that I felt were not needed, in the hope of fixing the problem myself. I was surprised when he said Kazaa was the problem. He quickly pointed out that even when you think you are removing Kazaa, it leaves hidden files behind, and these along with the complimentary viruses were the nasties that kept this guy in a job and emptied our pockets.
When you open your privacy to others in sharing practices, you leave yourself open to security threats.
Socio-political considerations
"In addition to the obvious ‘uses’ of p2p (for information, for community, for free music…) and the elements constraining its use (possibilities of legal action, copyright issues) there are less tangible aspects to consider. For example, the political or social motivations that both impact on its use, and development – such as the expression of discontent around record companies, or the liberatory ideals of free and open sharing of information that characterises both early Internet proponents, and the open source movement". (Allen, n.d)
Some examples:
http://www.janisian.com/article- internet_debacle.html
“I've found that to be true myself; every time we make a few songs available on my website, sales of all the CDs go up. A lot. And I don't know about you, but as an artist with an in-print record catalogue that dates back to 1965, I'd be thrilled to see sales on my old catalogue rise.” Ian, J (2002)
P2P file sharing will have its place in cyber society today and future. Free downloads are a regular offering on sites like itunes or as with Janis Ian, directly from artists websites. The prospect of giving a little, when marketing, can in turn result in additional sales that may not have occurred otherwise. On many occasions I have pre-booked an album release with itunes and in return received a free download of one of the featured songs, or was tempted by the free song of the week, by an Artist that I hadn’t heard of, and then followed with more purchases. Other ways of Artists benefiting from sharing free downloads is the following of fans to concerts and retail sales at the concerts. Offering a small token in the way of a free download is a form of advertising and exposure.
"Realistically, why do most people download music? To hear new music, or records that have been deleted and are no longer available for purchase. Not to avoid paying $5 at the local used CD store, or taping it off the radio, but to hear music they can't find anywhere else. Face it - most people can't afford to spend $15.99 to experiment. That's why listening booths (which labels fought against, too) are such a success" . Ian , J (2002)
In recognition to the above statement, I myself have probably spent more money on music and videos with itunes than I ever did from a conventional CD store.
References:
Allen M (n.d) Curtin University of Technology, Module 5 Curriculum, Net11 The Internet Communications,retrieved 24 July 2008 from http://webct.curtin.edu.au/SCRIPT/305033_b/scripts/serve_home
Williams, S (2002) Salon.com Technology, Profits from piracy, Retrieved 25 July 2008 from
http://www.si.umich.edu/~rfrost/courses/SI110/readings/IntellecProp/MS_Soft_on_Chinese_Piracy.pdf,
Mathieson G (2005) m/cyclopedia of new media; Copyright, Retrieved 24 July 2008 from http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/Filesharing_-_Copyright
Ian, J (2002) Janis Ian.com, The internet debacle – Article, An alternative view, Retrieved 24 July 2008 from http://www.janisian.com/articles-perfsong/internetdebacle.pdf____________________________________________________________________
Further Thoughts so far................
I was caught off guard with the intensity of Module 5. My thinking that I would be soon starting the concepts assignment fizzled and it was heads down for one more stretch. My eagerness to start the assignment building, but Module 5 is shaping to further prepare me for the end. I have found the readings quite interesting but very in depth. Definitely an area that I would like to re-visit later.
