Digital Rights Management: Impossible or Improbable

What role does digital rights management play in our society?

            According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, almost 89 percent of households in the country own at least one personal computer, nearly 50 percent of which have high speed Internet.  This means that about 140 million people in the country have access to websites and software that provide illegal downloads, whether it is music, movies, or any other form of entertainment. The purpose of Digital Rights Management (DMR) is to create a “digital lock” on these files, just as people lock up their tangible belongings - to keep out those who want to steal them.  It is very clear how this task is extremely difficult and requires tons of time and effort to halt. On a larger scale, DRM’s failure is indirectly responsible for decreases or changes in the value of the music industry itself, as well as directly responsible for the falls of sales such as compact disks.

How does Digital Rights Management fight copyright issues?

            For starters, DMR supporters need to overcome obstacles such as CD burners, illegal websites, and peer-to-peer sites such as Bearshare.  One of the strongest tactics in use by the government to protect copyright laws is the installation of a spyware-like software in new CDs, which is nearly impossible to remove from your computer.  The software prevents the files on the disk from being copied, ultimately preventing the CD’s owner from illegally distributing its content.  There are lots of other methods and investigations that take place on a day-to-day basis, but we are far from an honest crowd of consumers.

Does Digital Rights Management affect you personally?

            DRM is responsible for protecting the rights of the music and the artist.  This means that unless you are an artist or a downloader of illegal music content, you will not be personally, directly affected.  However, for those of you who are illegally downloading, the effects may be more serious than you think.  Recently, a student at Boston University was investigated and charged with violating copy right laws via illegal music downloads, and was charged a 670 thousand dollar fine. There are tons of other repercussions that may occur due to illegal activity, making it simply not worth saving your 99 cents. 

            

Simply Famous

            Aspiring musicians are always looking for their big break, their “leap to fame”, if you will. Truth is, most won’t ever find it. But every year there are a select few who breakout and become almost instantly famous. Those few who do find huge success in the modern music entertainment industry, just how do they do it? (Before I give you the secret to stardom, let me reassure you it is in no way a shortcut, and even less so a secret) That being said, more and more often we are seeing breakout careers ignite directly from the World Wide Web.

            In 2007, thoughtful mother, Pattie Mallette filmed her son’s music performances and posted them on Youtube for out of town friends and family members to see.  Shortly after, these Youtube videos became extremely popular and received tons of recognition, eventually leading to the young Canadian pop singer’s flight out to Atlanta, Georgia where he had the opportunity to consult with hip-hop superstar, Usher, leading to his first record deal. After a few hit singles passed, and a few short years, he was nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2010 Grammy Awards. We all know this stupendous story as the life of Justin Bieber, renowned singer, songwriter, musician, producer, entrepreneur, investor, and most recently, actor.            

            

            It is not uncommon these days to see a musician’s success originate from Youtube.  Tons of free websites allow you to instantly upload music files for the world to listen to for free, such as Youtube, Soundcloud and Facebook to name a few. These sites generate millions of page views per day, producing loads of opportunities for a musician’s work to be noticed.  But not all success stories are as immediate as Bieber’s.  These sites create a mass medium for the musician to share music content with the public.  However, there are other aspects of the social medias, which young musicians cannot neglect.  Musicians must also communicate with their followers.  These websites along with Twitter and personal blogs provide the musician with an opportunity to receive feedback from their listeners. This is crucial in appealing to your fan base and keeping them around.

            Sophomore student at the University of Miami and aspiring musician, Adam Grossman has digitally set himself up for success.  Creating a Twitter account, Facebook page, and Soundcloud profile, he has put himself out there.  When asked if he would offer his songs for free download on a public blog, Grossman responded “Definitely.  Asking someone to pay money for my music, for something they may have never heard is just ridiculous.  Today, more people stream music than own music, making it hard to get people to download songs as is.” Grossman continued “Once the artist has built up a fan base that they feel is large enough, maybe they can move to profitable services, such as Spotify, Pandora, and iTunes.”

            There will always be those who manage to bypass the universal, digital-system, but what is clear is that more and more often we are hearing of talent being discovered online.  Social medias have taken over the way society thinks and works.  It is affecting more professions everyday and the music industry is experiencing this first-hand.

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