The Official ACTA Thread

[TheZeroKid]

I'm surprised I didn't see a thread for this already, but it warrants discussion. The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (or ACTA) is a multi-national intellectual property enforcement treaty that is being put on the fast track to being passed, despite very little actual information being disclosed as to the contents of the treaty. On the surface, it seems that this will make methods of online pirating (such as torrents) quite difficult to achieve, with some claiming that the government could shut down your internet and search your computers and other devices capable of internet access without warrant (I'm not 100% about the validity of those claims).

I don't know that much about it, so I'm making a thread for discussion and for enlightenment on the issue.

For more info:

http://www.eff.org/issues/acta

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Counterfeiting_Trade_Agreement

http://www.publicknowledge.org/anti-counterfeiting-trade-agreement

So, discuss. What say you about the issue, AP?

[Miketheunicycle]

don't download much. only to check out a record/band. youtube and myspace could easily replace that method. this would be very interesting to see get passed. would it even result in more record sales?

[TheZeroKid]

I doubt it. As with everything, people will find a way around it. I, for one, hope it doesn't get passed.

[caveBEAR]

don't download much. only to check out a record/band. youtube and myspace could easily replace that method. this would be very interesting to see get passed. would it even result in more record sales?

Probably not, at least not an enormous difference. That horse is beaten and long dead (sadly, in my opinion).

[Miketheunicycle]

I doubt it. As with everything, people will find a way around it. I, for one, hope it doesn't get passed.
yeah, i was thinking the same. such as filesharing, i know it's not the same deal but it's essentially what this treaty would be trying to stop. if i dl an album for free, and really enjoy it, i'll buy it.. i can't be the only one
Probably not, at least not an enormous difference. That horse is beaten and long dead (sadly, in my opinion).
it is sad.. sitting down and reading along to a full record is such a great experience, especially having spent 20 bucks on it. why did that ever have to die

[caveBEAR]

it is sad.. sitting down and reading along to a full record is such a great experience, especially having spent 20 bucks on it. why did that ever have to die

Do miss this.

it is sad.. sitting down and reading along to a full record is such a great experience, especially having spent 20 bucks on it. why did that ever have to die

Don't miss that. What the fuck do you mean, especially. Ugh. That's why it had to die, so major labels would have to start offering DIY label pricing.

[Miketheunicycle]

Don't miss that. What the fuck do you mean, especially. Ugh. That's why it had to die, so major labels would have to start offering DIY label pricing.
after having spent 20 bucks on an album that you really enjoy it feels well worth the money

[Takk...Ros]

after having spent 20 bucks on an album that you really enjoy it feels well worth the money
not being able to get great albums because I didn't have twenty bucks made me want to punch baby seals. I punched human babies if I spent twenty bucks and the album sucked. Do not miss that part, haha.

(p.s. not implying that you shouldn't buy music and support artists)

[jawstheme]

I wouldn't have anywhere near the amount of music that I love if it wasn't for downloading.

[caveBEAR]

after having spent 20 bucks on an album that you really enjoy it feels well worth the money

Felt just as worth the money when it was $10.

[Miketheunicycle]

Felt just as worth the money when it was $10.
20 on average.. i've gotten albums for 10 on sale, and at shows. maybe i'm too late to see all albums sell for 10 at a store, or maybe that never happened in canada, i wouldnt know.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

I stopped downloading albums after I graduated from college. I now only purchase about five albums per year.

[yves.]

i have to really be in love with the band to spend more than $12 on an album i haven't listened to.
needless to say, DO NOT WANT.

[saysmydoctor]

I buy albums. I like the physical copy. I just wish more bands would shift to cardboard and stuff. That saves so much money. The problem is the savings aren't so often passed on to the consumer still.

As for this treaty, sounds pretty outrageous.

[caveBEAR]

As for this treaty, sounds pretty outrageous.

Agreed. I'll need more official proof before I buy into it, but my interest is piqued.

I buy albums. I like the physical copy. I just wish more bands would shift to cardboard and stuff. That saves so much money. The problem is the savings aren't so often passed on to the consumer still.

Agreed as well. I've come to enjoy vinyl now as well.

[saysmydoctor]

A vinyl collection would require a whole new investment. I like CDs. I like to look at mine sometimes--just pour over the liner notes and read the stuff. It's cool.

[DandonTRJ]

With any luck, I'll be writing a law review article on this treaty in the coming months.

[caveBEAR]

A vinyl collection would require a whole new investment. I like CDs. I like to look at mine sometimes--just pour over the liner notes and read the stuff. It's cool.

Vinyls became my new CDs...since so many bands stopped putting any effort at all into CD production, I haven't really cared to pick up any new ones, so I go vinyl now. Plus, bigger liner notes! :-d

[TheZeroKid]

According to what I hear about this (not sure if it's true, but I've heard it pop up in several places), this act would allow for the feds to search your computer without a warrant. Anyone else have confirmation on this?