Legality of WinMX

[mutt]

Running a program called WinMX which allows the sharing of MP3 tracks. I'm interested in the legality of this type of program. How does this differ from Napster?

Thanks

Mutt.

[DeepC]

It doesn't. Still illegal.

DeepC

[Evo]

To be pedantic, the program itself isn't illegal - using it to share copyright material is.

[mutt]

Thank you gents, that was my understanding.

Mutt.

[stagger]

Evo is not being pedantic - it's an important clarification. I use various peer-to-peer programs to copy music files legally.

Legal because the artists concerned have consented to the material being shared on a not-for-profit basis.

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

Evo,

the program itself isn't illegal - using it to share copyright material is

Short, to the point, and right on the money. Perfect description.

Take Care,

Richard

[boeingbus2002]

Stagger,
So where do u find out who has consented to sharing? or are these private artists you know personally.

[stagger]

There are many "trade friendly" musicians who permit non-commerical (not-for-profit) copying and trading of some of their material. Generally, it's recordings of their live shows that they allow to be traded - i.e. not their commerical releases.

For more information on what it means to be "trade friendly" see....
http://wiki.etree.org/index.php?page=TradeFriendly

Here's a list of some "trade friendly" bands...
http://wiki.etree.org/index.php?page=BandAbbreviations

And another (a lot of overlap though)...
http://bluegrassbox.com/notrade.php

These recordings come into existence because some bands allow taping at their live shows....
http://btat.wagnerone.com/