I now pay for MP3 files I download. No, don't freeze in shock - I haven't gone completely clean yet. But I did start pay for some MP3 files. And why not? KaZaa or any other sharing program are now filled with files that break, intentionally wrongly edited, stop playing in the middle of a tune or make noises that can give you a heart attack. Plus, the quality is not guaranteed anymore.

So I decided to pay for MP3s I have trouble with. It is legal, it is of high technical quality and it is CHEEEEEAAAP! Not iTunes cheap, not BuyMusic cheap - how about dirty cheap?

Forget $0.99 per song or $0.59 per stream download and $0.49 per burn - how about $0.60-0.80 per CD or $0.03-$0.07 per song? Insane?

That's what I thought about one such LEGAL service that promises to put your mind to rest. So after having trouble finding a No Doubt' "Its my life" single, I decided to give it a try. Paid $20 via PayPal (worth 20 GB of downloading - $0.01 per MB of transfer) and oh my God have I been enjoying it since...

What's on your mind? New Alicia Keys or Eminem CD releases? All there. The whole album costs no more than $1.00 depending on the size.

So how can it be so cheap? FREE TRADE. It is a known media Russian company. I know, I was skeptical about giving out my CC or paying at them at all at first myself, but after a friend vouched for it, I signed up. There are just a few Russian companies that provide such paid service - mostly because its tough to get licenses (RIAA partners with the Russian Organization For Multimedia and Digital Systems, they make license deductions for countries with higher level of piracy to get some benefit of low pricing), but once they have it - its heaven for downloaders.

Traffic IS cheap in Russia, servers are not as fast as here, but hey - I'm on cable and the minimal speed for me was 40KB/sec (vs fastest 280kb/sec). Not bad.

So here I am, a happy MP3 user, sharing my experience with a company that made my day - http://club.mp3search.ru (english version). Of course the web service partly focuses on Russian music, but you have to search for it intentionally. The web site is build based on foreign music production.

By the way, No Doubt "Its my Life" tune cost me $0.052. ;)

Its good to know you have an option, too.

Best,

I visited that site a few weeks ago Art, but like you I didn't want to give up credit details, especially with the .ru extension.
How long have your friends used them?

For about 3 months. He is also in Canada and he uses his Credit Card. However, I signed up with PayPal - don't trust them with my CC info.

They do plan to launch Music Video downloads soon, too.

ty

not a bad price for sure.

The major problem I'm facing is that I cannot find the music I like on such pay per download sites. I can rarely even find it in local CD shops, or kazaa.

I really have to scrape the bottom to find what I like :(

Oh yeah, I forgot - when you add funds to your account - you can stream songs for free anytime (the quality is low 24Kb) but you can preview the whole song before downloading it. Or just play it like that.

WoodShedd, I know what you're saying. I have same problem with certain jazz colelctions. But make a search for it anyway.

How is the quality of the ones you download (kps?) my main issue is I am looking for somewhere to download where all the songs will be at the same level so I do not end up having to turn the volume up/down when the song changes.

OKIHost, the standard bitrate they consider is 192.

Like the #1 latest Michael Jackson album here:
http://club.mp3search.ru/album.html?id=10805

BUT with some albums you have a choice between 128, 192 or 320 bitrate. Album is usually presented in one or more bitrate formats, so you don't have to worry about songs being different, unless you download from different albums.

best,

Woah... sign me up! Of course if it gets really popular things will change...

Looks great! :)

That's crazy cheap.... And they have the full metallica 'suite' up for download..

http://club.mp3search.ru/artist.html?id=582

I had heard about these guys before, but was worrying about giving cc#'s to them as they're out of the country and it seemed 'too good to be true'... Something to look at if it's legal.

-David

Originally posted by thedavid
Something to look at if it's legal.

For them, it probably is legal. In the states (or many other countries where copyright laws are strongly enforced), it is probably not.

Just because you bought the mp3 for .005 or whatever doesn't mean it's legal. I'd actually verify that it IS legal, and read through the legal docs before you jump up and down claiming "I've got legal mp3's", because you don't know exactly HOW legal they are in the U.S.

Also, the RIAA isn't going after people for DOWNLOADING mp3's, but for sharing them. . The only way they can even get into your pc is to view your "shared" list, that's all. So, if you're still sharing these dirt cheap mp3's, you're still guilty as sin.

I so love you for this link :D:agree:

Well, don't know if it's legal but I'm downloading quite a lot here ;)

Originally posted by wolfstream
For them, it probably is legal. In the states (or many other countries where copyright laws are strongly enforced), it is probably not.


Kinda what I was thinking - searches for more info on these sites proved non-eventful though.

Originally posted by wolfstream
Also, the RIAA isn't going after people for DOWNLOADING mp3's

Yet. :) Don't think the riaa will be happy till they've sued more of their potential customer-base, including those that have downloaded some of their songs.

-David

Very interesting...... I'll be waiting on the verdict to see if this is legal or not though. :)

I'm diappointed, they don't have any Counting Crows albums though. :(

So would you guys recommend?

Is it even legal?

Thanks :)

Without seeing the legals (which they've done damn hard to hide), it's impossible to say whether or not it is legal.

I don't know if it's perfectly legal, but I am paying for it and downloaded about 3 albums and still have 17 of 20 dollars left :stickout:

Originally posted by Esr Tek
I don't know if it's perfectly legal, but I am paying for it and downloaded about 3 albums and still have 17 of 20 dollars left :stickout:

Did you pay via PayPal? Was your address information given to them?

...last thing I want is a lawsuit up my butt.

Originally posted by Op3rator

...last thing I want is a lawsuit up my butt.
Then don't do it, pretty straight forward there.

Common sense dictates if it's questionable, research it first, because most (not all) questionable material is questionable for a reason. Mail these guys, get the licenses, legal docs, have a LAWYER look over it (most will do a free consultation of some sort). If it passes THEIR inspection, then by all means, try it. Otherwise, don't take the risk.

Originally posted by wolfstream
For them, it probably is legal. In the states (or many other countries where copyright laws are strongly enforced), it is probably not.
They wouldn't have been accepting payments by PayPal if it was illegal anywhere outside Russia (as they have own PayPal-type of systems for Russian users), and they woudn't have made the web site in English.

Internet is a free-for-everyone zone. It was probably agreed on because, really, who trusts Russian services with their CC info?

If they were doing something illegal, they would have lost their license and were shut down.

Until then - I'm their customer.

Alongside with happy Esr Tek. ;)



EDIT: Plus, if you think about it - $20 buys you 20 GB of downloading, which anyone can do even in States. But since the licensing fees are so much more expensive here, plus the overprice on each item - it brings the total to $0.99. Russians are in a winning position here. Traffic and fees are way more cheaper and its enough even to make money on it.

i'm not going to start buying until they start making better cds.

Anyone know Russian?

Roms.ru is the russian equivilant of the RIAA....much of the site isn't in english yet...

Originally posted by Akash
Anyone know Russian?

Roms.ru is the russian equivilant of the RIAA....much of the site isn't in english yet...
What do you need to know Akash? I'm half Russian and I read it well, too.

Can you do a rough translation of this page for me?
http://subscribe.ru/archive/release.marketing/200304/08110845.text

I searched "mp3search.ru #3-01-17" in google and the above is what I got - all those pages are in russion.

The #'s is supposedly the agreement between mp3search and similar sites and ROMS...

Originally posted by ub3r
i'm not going to start buying until they start making better cds.

you gotta find the used CD shops. that's where I usually find all the good music.


I'm not listening to the radio until they play something good.

Originally posted by Akash
Can you do a rough translation of this page for me?
http://subscribe.ru/archive/release.marketing/200304/08110845.text
Heading "Subscribe.ru information channel" (Subscribe.ru is the largest information delivery service online. Very well-known.

Headline (1st line of text): Free access to legal MP3 files online.

Company name: DigitalShop.ru

Well, briefly, this is an official press release from Mp3search.ru parent company - DigitalShop. It has plenty of online properties, all focused on electronics hardware, software, digital music.

Basically the message says those who buy MP3 Players from their store get a free 500MB of download limit at club.mp3search.ru service site as a purchase gift.

The last paragraph, the most important one, and I quote in translation: "MP3search.ru Club is the largest collection of legal digital music in Russian Internet. All audio-video materials are located with accordance to licensing agreement with ROMS (No. .......). MP3search.ru Club executes all licensing fees for usage of all materials, according to aforementioned licensing agreement."


EDIT: Akash, I've looked into ROMS and they are an official member of this association: www.cisac.org , so there is more control to digital music rights. Seems like mp3search is very much legit. They are not hiding anything - the service is part of a big internet company that has its own management, employees, etc. Pure logic comes to mind - why risk their business to run an illegal mp3 site?

Originally posted by Esr Tek
I don't know if it's perfectly legal, but I am paying for it and downloaded about 3 albums and still have 17 of 20 dollars left :stickout:
What were your picks?

I myself downloaded about 15 Russian tracks so far for about $0.57. Tracks I really missed and loved and they were impossible to find on KaZaa or anywhere else... It made my day to listen to them once again. Best money I've spent this year as it brought a lot of good memories.


EDIT: Oh, sweet God, they have FULL jazz colelctions of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, etc. (U2 - not jazz, but great!) What a great Christmas gift my father's gonna get!

Heh.. here I thought I would never have any legal MP3s on my hard disk drives.

I'll give these guys a shot, why not? :D

Originally posted by Artashes
Oh, sweet God, they have FULL jazz colelctions of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, etc. (U2 - not jazz, but great!) What a great Christmas gift my father's gonna get!

Man you're going to wish you got a commission when I'm done... wasn't even going to bother looking until you said Miles Davis (who arguably is the the best man to ever live)!

Woo hoo!

Originally posted by WoodShedd
not a bad price for sure.

The major problem I'm facing is that I cannot find the music I like on such pay per download sites. I can rarely even find it in local CD shops, or kazaa.

I really have to scrape the bottom to find what I like :(

Yep same problem here, finding what I like locally is hard, on a download service? forget it, so far my best luck has been Amazon.com look for what I want, and then look for the "XX new & used starting at $X.XX" typically pay about $3-8 for a CD which I gladly pay.

A few years ago, Emusic rocked, it had all the mp3s in 128K non-variable bit rate (my car stereo hates VBR) and they had massloads of underground metal, all kindsa stuff you won't and probably never will, find in Best Buy. I racked up as much as a GIG of downloads some nights. $9.99 per month.

Originally posted by Artashes
For about 3 months. He is also in Canada and he uses his Credit Card. However, I signed up with PayPal - don't trust them with my CC info.

They do plan to launch Music Video downloads soon, too.

Hmm I'm seeing a lotta stuff here I'd like to get, my biggest question though is is it TRULY legal...

Man not a bad selection at all here, hope it's legal :)

It's been said before and I'll say it again, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

I would be very doubtful that any major labels, let alone all the major labels sold their licenses for a penny a song to any company, Russian or otherwise. If apple can't get a better deal why would this no name company? The recording industry clearly understands that the Internet is global; I simply don't see them doing this today or tomorrow. To make matters worse, the recording industry can't afford to license songs that cheap; cd, radio or otherwise, each song sold gets a standard cut to the writer and singer, that cut is a few cents a song so again, how can the license be so cheap.

Looking at the site I can't find any visible legal terms regarding the music; if it was legal in the US they would be plastering that all over, the fact that the information isn't there should imply enough. I don't care what payment processor they use, that doesn’t make them legitimate, especially when considering how much fraud paypal deals with.

Bottom line, this might not violate any Russian copyright laws but that doesn't mean it works under US or other national laws. Odds are you won't be sued for using the service tomorrow but then again they have all of your information so if the RIAA can find a way to get to them legally, perhaps they would sue you first.

Do we need cheap digital music? Yes. Is this the legal answer? Not a chance in hell.

Originally posted by Artashes
What were your picks?

Oh man.. I got a lot and ran out of songs I wanted and still have 14$ left :stickout:

I got Metallica - kill em all thru the black album (like 5 cds)
Korn (couple of cds and some singles)
and Linkin Park make up the bulk of it...
My favorite find -- The queen of the damned soundtrack :stickout:
Eminem - mostly singles
I found some really old KMFDM and then a variety of old songs for wife (pink floyd, zepplin etc)

I almost need suggestions now to spend the rest of the money :lol:

I'm getting soon No Doubt CD, very nice catch Artashes! Thanks!

I got a lot of CD's :)

Very nice! ;)

Ök I puted in there $20, buying CD's now, this is very nice, again, thanks Art :)

Royi

Is the site down or It's me ?

Works fine, downloading Coldplay ;)

It's time for a reboot Sir! :)

Download BonnieM... "Oh, those russians..." :D

Art, I'm half russian too... ;) (kak-di-la)

Is the collection of songs good?

Art said that he got russian songs, but I don't like that music... they copy EVERYTHING... makes me sick... (philip kirkorv :D)

And some pips here said that they couldn't find what they wanted.

This seems legit, if the collection is good I'll sign up...

opinions please?

BTW - Small tip: NEVER give cc info for .ru sites!

Great Site! It's back working for me here.. :) though few albums I can't find :(

Just went down again, I'm almost finished my christmas list! lol

Hey websterworld, (u menya khorosho, u tebya kak?) :D

Well, the Russian music I downloaded consisted mainly of DDT singles, Mumii Trol (old stuff), Neonavt (a close friend of mine), Green Grey (also old). Everything is at least 4-5 years old because that's when I came to Canada and this is what I remember listening. I hate Russian popular music.

As for the site, I looked over it - I can't say anything - it does look legit. The company IS paying licensing fees, they pay taxes as a corporation and they still make money on it.

Those who think it is illegal are free to think so, but to me it looks otherwise. It would just make no logical sense to me why a known internet Russian company would envolve themselves in something illegal. Bad for business, bad for reputation, bad for everything.

PS: Somewhere above I said $20 buys you 20 GB of downloads. It actually buys you 2 GB of downloads. Artashes regrets the error. :)

:eek:

I still dont know about this one - from the looks of it - I don't think ROMS or that int'l organization is OK with foreign residents (read, non Russian) using the service.....

That's all right then Akash. More is left for me. :D

I read this:

http://www.museekster.com/allofmp3info.htm

Apparently this is a much cheaper service (1000 downloads for $15 a month) -- though probably not any more or less legal than the service you're discussing.

Originally posted by Artashes
So how can it be so cheap? FREE TRADE

THEFT!

Originally posted by hostpath.com
I read this:

http://www.museekster.com/allofmp3info.htm

Apparently this is a much cheaper service (1000 downloads for $15 a month) -- though probably not any more or less legal than the service you're discussing.

That's a product by Media Services Inc., another big company. I'm familiar with them, as one of my friends is using it. But since the transfer speed is poor, I chose the one I shared my experience about.

Originally posted by hostpath.com
THEFT!
Right... Please continue downloading music from KaZaa. :stickout:

The truth it - you don't have enough information to make this judgement. It makes it your personal opinion.

Just be advised that whether you're paying or not you're responsible for downloading stolen material.

Originally posted by Artashes
Right... Please continue downloading music from KaZaa.

Ummm, I don't use KaZaa or any P2P service. I pay full price for my music since I believe that the creators and publishers should get paid for their work.

I D/L music, but only through buymusic.com.

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Just be advised that whether you're paying or not you're responsible for downloading stolen material.
Can you explain to me why you put a label "stolen" on it? Please? I need some unquestionable data from your side.

Good for you for using buymusic.com. I use this one - does it make me a thief that I pay less than you?

Best,

Originally posted by Artashes
Can you explain to me why you put a label "stolen" on it? Please? I need some unquestionable data from your side. Good for you for using buymusic.com. I use this one - does it make me a thief that I pay less than you?

If the music you're downloading is being offered illegally, then it is stolen. I was just pointing out that whether or not YOU paid for it, if you are receiving it illegally you are still subject to prosecution.

Now the fact that you're paying 3 cents a track for music makes it pretty clear that the artists and labels are not being paid their appropriate royalties for that. Especially when you consider that virtually EVERY PENNY of the amount that Apple's iTunes service charges for downloaded music has to go to the artists and labels.

So if Apple has to pay nearly a dollar per track to the artists and labels, how can a Russian company legally provide the same tracks at under a nickel?

Logically they can't, legally (or should I say, legally in the US market).

So think of it this way: I go to a record store and see the CD I want, but it's $14.95, so I skip it. But as I go to my car there's a guy there with his trunk open and he calls me over...

"Hey buddy! Want that new Outkast CD? It's $15 in the store there, but I can sell you one for $1.25!"

Now common sense would tell me that it can't be in compliance with the laws of copyright and so forth and that its very likely a bootleg. So I buy it, and about 100 other CD's as well, all at the great price of $1.25 per.

Now should the cops raid my house and find 100 bootleg CD's on my shelves, is it a valid defense to say "but I PAID for them!" or not?

Originally posted by Artashes
Can you explain to me why you put a label "stolen" on it? Please? I need some unquestionable data from your side.

Show me where the legal documentation (in english) is , and where you are given specific rights to download that music, NOT by the "russian entertainment industry", but by the RIAA.

The RIAA has complete and total control in the states, not some foreign Russian agency.

These people have all but hidden this documentation. That in and of itself makes the business shady, I don't care how "big" it is. Do you really think some Russian agreement is going to hold up here, in the states? Think again.

Originally posted by Artashes

Good for you for using buymusic.com. I use this one - does it make me a thief that I pay less than you?

Best,
No, what makes you a thief is not researching this very clearly. Do you have proof that they're legal here in the states? Please, submit said proof that they are. Otherwise, you'd best be prepared to deal with the RIAA when they do come a-knocking, because those are illegal downloads.

Companies that legally offer these downloads show that legality quite well. In some cases, they brag about it. In most cases, they'll say that this is only available here, there and over here. Why? Because the laws differ from country to country.

Of course, you'll find none of that at this site. Why? Because the downloads are probably NOT legal. Sure, maybe they are in Russia, where .05 is actualy a good deal of money, but here, in the states? Nope.

You're the individual responsible for dealing with the legalities and checking this out fully, 100%. YOU are the individual that will be called on by the RIAA to defend your actions should they be wrong. YOU are the individual who will be in court, not the Russian Music Whatever. It's in your best interest to verify this 100% before you even CONSIDER downloading them. If you don't, then yes, you are a thief.

Hostpath, you are mixing a few issues into one and try to compare them, which can't be done from an economic viewpoint. Apple is in States, mp3search club is in Russia. Administrative costs, operating costs, and every other cost and fee is way much higher in USA.

Please re-read my first post. Free trade rules allowed Russian companies to charge that through lower fees, low operating costs, and smart partnerships. There is a European recording association that is advising and partnering with ROMS and they overlook activity of those pay-per-tune services. So there is more than just Russian control over this service, which means it is LEGAL until proven otherwise.

I'm not arguing about the fact that if you download something illegal and if you happened to pay for it - it doesn't make it legal. But what you are saying is that what we download in this case is illegal without absolutely any information on hands.

If you feel uncomfortable with it - do not use it. If you feel like what you pay at iTunes or buymusic is fair - please continue using them, its a choice everyone makes for themselves.

Until then, a very close friend of mine is featured on that web site and he is PAID for what we download. So please, don't accuse people of stealing just we got the CD for $1.25 and you for $15.

Best,

Originally posted by wolfstream
No, what makes you a thief is not researching this very clearly.
Now that's not very nice, is it?
Originally posted by wolfstream
Do you have proof that they're legal here in the states? Please, submit said proof that they are. Otherwise, you'd best be prepared to deal with the RIAA when they do come a-knocking, because those are illegal downloads.
"Please submit said proof that they are?" Huh?? I don't have to show you or prove anything here, unless YOU show me documents of where it says its illegal first. Even THEN I don't have to do it - I'm not their lawyer.

EDIT: RIAA will not come see me by the way, I'm in Canada. And if they do, I'll hand them a business card of my lawyer and contact information of this web service. Let them figure it out. ;)

Best,

Originally posted by Artashes
Hostpath, you are mixing a few issues into one and try to compare them, which can't be done from an economic viewpoint. Apple is in States, mp3search club is in Russia. Administrative costs, operating costs, and every other cost and fee is way much higher in USA.

That has NOTHING to do with it. The amount the artists and labels are to be paid is the same, regardless of what overhead the providers have.

Originally posted by Artashes
Please re-read my first post. Free trade rules allowed Russian companies to charge that through lower fees, low operating costs, and smart partnerships. There is a European recording association that is advising and partnering with ROMS and they overlook activity of those pay-per-tune services. So there is more than just Russian control over this service, which means it is LEGAL until proven otherwise.

No, that is patently incorrect. Things are not LEGAL until proven otherwise, since ignorance of the law is no basis for a defense. Please show us where free trade rules have made it so that Russian companies can pay a fraction of a cent in royalties where US companies must pay nearly a dollar.

You've got it backward, I'm afraid.

Originally posted by Artashes
I'm not arguing about the fact that if you download something illegal and if you happened to pay for it - it doesn't make it legal. But what you are saying is that what we download in this case is illegal without absolutely any information on hands.

Use common sense. If you know that this is the case, how can you possibly make the conclusion that this is legal? Common sense should tell you to steer CLEAR of this activity.

Originally posted by Artashes
If you feel uncomfortable with it - do not use it. If you feel like what you pay at iTunes or buymusic is fair - please continue using them, its a choice everyone makes for themselves.

Right, the choice between right and wrong. I go with "right".

Originally posted by Artashes
Until then, a very close friend of mine is featured on that web site and he is PAID for what we download. So please, don't accuse people of stealing just we got the CD for $1.25 and you for $15.

Ok, who is your friend and what does he get per download? I think I can predict what your answer will be...

I don't have to show you or prove anything here

Unfortunately, there, you are wrong. You are required to submit proof upon appropriate demand that you obtained the files legally. It doesn't work the other way around.

Here you guys go, There is another MP3 website that is russian based which is also in association with ROMS (Russian Organization For Multimedia and Digital Systems)

Here are their TERMS of service

Before you continue browsing the site (registration on this site), you are to read and agree with all the clauses of the following document. In case you disagree with any of the clauses, you have no right to continue browsing the site (registration on this site), and must immediately leave it.

You agree with the fact that you are not able to use and even to download audio and video materials from Allofmp3.com catalogue if it is in the conflict with legislation of your country. Allofmp3.com Administration is unable to control all Allofmp3.com users, therefore the users are responsible for usage of the materials represented on the Site. http://stat.allofmp3.com/help.shtml?terms=on&help=on

Come to your own conclusions.

Thanks, Trifolic. That makes the point pretty well.

Hey, Artashes, just a question since I won't go to that site you posted...do they have a large collection of Beatles music? That's something I'd be interested in...

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Use common sense. If you know that this is the case, how can you possibly make the conclusion that this is legal? Common sense should tell you to steer CLEAR of this activity.
Consumer is almost never liable for things he buys. I have no idea what the right pricing should be, nor do you. I saw the messages in plain English language telling me that the company pays all fees responsibly. I don't need to know more than that since I won't be able to know more either way.

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Right, the choice between right and wrong. I go with "right".
I go with right also. How will you prove it wrong?

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Ok, who is your friend and what does he get per download? I think I can predict what your answer will be...
Ok, my friend is my friend - Neonavt. He gets three quarters of a ruble per download. You do the calculations yourself.


Hostpath, think about it, if you want logic. This company in Russia is like Amazon of elctronics in States, only they have many Russia media properties. Would amazon launch something illegal to put their business operations in danger like that? The answer is no.

Don't be blind to free trade. It is an economic force that allowed companies to intentionally gain from countries where some resource are not scarce or could be outsourced for cheap. What do you think the real cost of a shirt you're wearing was, made by bloody hands of some Mexican kid getting 10 cents an hour?

Best,

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Hey, Artashes, just a question since I won't go to that site you posted...do they have a large collection of Beatles music? That's something I'd be interested in...
Every single album. ;)

OK, I think there's been enough talk about it. Look at the link provided by Trifolic.

(Which is also arguable and which also means I'm still good with it. Yay!) :)

Originally posted by Artashes
Every single album. ;)

Ok, thanks...that's all I needed to hear to know that this service is operating illegally. The Beatles and EMI have not licensed ANY of their music for distribution online.

The service is operating ILLEGALLY.

Oh, and in case you don't believe me, here's a link:
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/main_news.cfm?NewsID=7076

I stand by awaiting your rebuttal.

Originally posted by Artashes
I go with right also. How will you prove it wrong?

See above. The ball's in your court.

So don't download from it. :usflag:

Btw, your web site says: "I can cut your sales in HALF! Free." Can you cut my MP3 downloading prices in half, too, since you haven't specified what exactly that you do? :D

Kinda changes your position, eh?

As I stated, it's probably legal in Russia, but here, in the states it's more than likely not. Not everywhere has the stringent copyright enforcement going on that we do.
I questioned the site myself when i saw the "full metallica suite" bit, because even though the boys may put out albums, they'll do their best to keep 'em offline. They don't participate in a single shared music collection to my knowledge (napster,rhapsody, pressplay (when it was pressplay), etc, all had maybe 1 song which was an interview with the band, that's it).

The legal "documentation" quoted here pretty much said it all. If it's illegal in your country, it can't be downloaded. These guys are basically making a fortune off of selling music that they shouldn't be selling outside of Russia

Wolfstream summarized it well. It may be legal in Russia or some other countries. May not be in yours. So just checking for it before using it would be a good advice.

Best,

RIAA site gives 500 Error, maybe they bankroupt :emlaugh: :emlaugh: :smash:

Originally posted by Artashes
Btw, your web site says: "I can cut your sales in HALF! Free." Can you cut my MP3 downloading prices in half, too, since you haven't specified what exactly that you do? :D

I write large-scale custom web applications for medium-to-large companies, with a specialization in the financial services industry. Hostpath.com has nothing to do with my real business, it's just one that I used when I was doing full page ads in Hosting Tech magazine.

I'm confused... :eek:

I can understand how they make it cheaper, and I can understand that it might be legal to download from some countries but not from others... (oh the irony)

But since I don't live in the USA or Russia (left russia when I was 2yr' old...) or in europe for that matter, is it legal for me?

and if it is... what's to stop me from downloading everything they have and selling it legally in my country? (isreal)

:)

Art: "veglidit sto te praigral" ;)

Best,
webster

Originally posted by websterworld
I can understand how they make it cheaper, and I can understand that it might be legal to download from some countries but not from others... (oh the irony)

But since I don't live in the USA or Russia (left russia when I was 2yr' old...) or in europe for that matter, is it legal for me?

Well, you need to use your own judgment. Someone putting a notice on their site that it may be illegal in your country is basically a weasel way for them to claim they advised you against illegal activity.

One thing we know for certain: the Beatles albums have NOT been licensed for download anywhere. ANYWHERE. So this site HAVING the Beatles albums available for download means that they are acting ILLEGALLY, or in violation of the artists and publishers rights and copyright.

I don't know how a site that claims to be operating legally but is offering illegal material can be considered anything BUT illegal. Personally, I wouldn't want the RIAA to subpoena my ISP looking for a log of my downloads from a Russian music site.

Originally posted by websterworld
But since I don't live in the USA or Russia (left russia when I was 2yr' old...) or in europe for that matter, is it legal for me?

and if it is... what's to stop me from downloading everything they have and selling it legally in my country? (isreal)

Well I think we established that its better if you check your local regulations. A buddy of mine (Royi). He is also in Israel and he is wondering of the same thing. I think you guys should check with some local laws to that point.

As for downloading (even if its legal in your country), I think you also need a license for selling copyright materials (meaning you have to pay for it) as the TOS of downloading sites usually limits you to downloading only for personal use, not sharing, not commercial, etc.

So there you go.

Westerworld: Proigral ne to slovo... knotya ne sovsem. ;)

Should we make a final summary of usage for that mp3 club and close the thread? What does everyone think? Or if mods can add a comment to the original posting that its better to check local regulations, we let this thread live?

Best,

This wouldn't happen to be Royi Meshel? I know he frequents WHT. (My name is Royi as well, ;)) Anyways, this site USED to be free, at least until recently. I don't know exactly how legal they are.

No, Royi Sher is his name.

Yep, Royi Sher Meshel, RSMHost.

You're not in America Art, so you don't have much to worry about.
The long arm of the RIAA doesn't reach up here.

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news2.php?ID=8435

Well, Mods, I'll wait for your final ruling. Do we keep the thread and everyone just checks for their local regulations or do we kill it? (Look a few posts up for more details).

Best,

Originally posted by blue27
You're not in America Art, so you don't have much to worry about.
Oh I'm not worried about it, Michael. :blush:

I'm not really worried either... its kinda a free rain here, a lot of people download songs/games/proggys/movies/whatever anyway illigaly and I NEVER heard anybody get busted...


I just don't want to get my songs like that... (well, not anymore anyway ;))

I'll see if I can find something.

As for the thread being closed, I see no reason for it...

Art: kak dela se devkai? ;)

Right. So long as you don't get busted it's perfectly okay to rip off the rightful owners of the material. And local regulations have NOTHING to do with it.

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Right. So long as you don't get busted it's perfectly okay to rip off the rightful owners of the material. And local regulations have NOTHING to do with it.

I NEVER said that... don't get pissed of at me please.

Jeez... Hostpath, take a big breath. Take one again.... Stay cool, we're just discussing the issue.

In the meantime, keep in mind millions of users who download music for free via Kazaa-USA every day.

Stay cool my babies... - Conan.

Well if you live in Canada you don't have anything to worry about.

Canada deems P2P downloading legal

In a ruling released Friday, copyright regulators in Canada said downloading copyrighted music from peer-to-peer networks appears to be legal under Canadian law but that uploading is still prohibited.

http://news.com.com/2100-1025-5121479.html

Thanks for the link Mississa. Blue has mentioned it previously as well.

Go nuts, then, Canadians!

"Oh, Canada..." :D

Originally posted by websterworld
I NEVER said that... don't get pissed of at me please.

No, no. I never said you said that, just commenting about what you said about it being "free reign". Not aimed at you personally. And I'm not upset in the least, I'm not the one getting ripped off.

Originally posted by Artashes
Jeez... Hostpath, take a big breath. Take one again.... Stay cool, we're just discussing the issue.

Huh? You act like I'm getting upset or something.

Originally posted by Artashes
Go nuts, then, Canadians!

Pretty nifty, government sanctioned theft!

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Pretty nifty, government sanctioned theft!
That's why Canada is the only country where the government is loved by its citizens. :stickout:

But honestly, you do sound just a little bit upset. Come on you, move to Canada, have some Molson beer and live your life! :beer:

Ah well, I downloaded, and am enjoying the songs, it was worth the 20 bucks... :)

Royi

Originally posted by RSM-Royi
Ah well, I downloaded, and am enjoying the songs, it was worth the 20 bucks... :)

Royi
I guess your 20GB iPod is enjoying them even more!

Originally posted by Artashes
I guess your 20GB iPod is even more happier!

Oh I bet he is :P

Originally posted by Artashes
That's why Canada is the only country where the government is loved by its citizens.

Not quite...

Originally posted by Artashes
But honestly, you do sound just a little bit upset.

You can tell that from the sound of the letters on the screen?

Originally posted by Artashes
Come on you, move to Canada, have some Molson beer and live your life!

Ummm, no thanks. I wouldn't steal from people even if the government said they wouldn't prosecute me, because it's wrong. If I lived in a country where they said they wouldn't prosecute people who shoplift from convenience stores doesn't mean I'd start walking into convenience stores and take things off the shelf. Prosecuted or not, it's still stealing.

Call me crazy!

Originally posted by hostpath.com
Call me crazy!
You're crazy! lol :stickout: kidding of course.

Originally posted by Artashes
You're crazy!

Yes, over the past 42 years I've come to that realization. What I am not, however, is a thief...

I think Vito might have an opinion on the matter that might closely fit with the position the artists and music publishers might hold.

Actually in Canada it's not considered stealing because we pay tax dollars through purchases of blank media and MP3 players that go directly to musicians and artists.

Originally posted by blue27
Actually in Canada it's not considered stealing because we pay tax dollars through purchases of blank media and MP3 players that go directly to musicians and artists.

That's pretty neat. So I could go out an buy ONE blank CD and feel free to download 50,000 MP3's from an illegal Russian distributor? That would certainly allow me to sleep well at night and provide an excellent example for my two kids.

Sleep however you like. I don't really care. If someone is living within the laws of their own country who are you to tell them they are wrong or call them a thief?

Originally posted by hostpath.com
That's pretty neat. So I could go out an buy ONE blank CD and feel free to download 50,000 MP3's from an illegal Russian distributor? That would certainly allow me to sleep well at night and provide an excellent example for my two kids.

Sure there's plenty more canadians buying boatloads of blank media who don't pirate. Consider it like welfare in a way, I pay my taxes so people can draw their welfare. I know people who are perfectly healthy riding the welfare pony, about the same thing as this. Ditto this situation, Canadian X buys buttloads of blank media but never downloads a song, Canadian Y buys next to none but downloads a bunch, sure it's probably not quite "moral" but hey, it's legal, like welfare and foodstamps. Personally I don't much care for either situation, but I pay my taxes anyway.

In the end it's your conscience.

Originally posted by blue27
Sleep however you like. I don't really care. If someone is living within the laws of their own country who are you to tell them they are wrong or call them a thief?

If you can't make the distinction between something that conforms to the letter of legislation and something that is just plain...

Oh well, never mind. I guess these days it's simply too much to ask people to care about one another or respect one another. I mean hey, why should people in Canada care if the creators and rightful owners of a particular work are fairly compensated for their effort or not, right? As long as they're getting all them Russian downloads for 1.5 cents a piece, eh?

hostpath.com your missing the point. As a whole Canadians still pay the same amount. Just think of it as a government piggy bank and we all have access to the funds.

I perfect example is our health care system. Some people will never get sick or use a single penny from the health care system, but we all pay into it.

I personally like this type of society better than a pure capitalist systems. This way the poor have the same opportunity as the rich.

Just a thought.

Originally posted by Dixiesys
Sure there's plenty more canadians buying boatloads of blank media who don't pirate. Consider it like welfare in a way, I pay my taxes so people can draw their welfare. I know people who are perfectly healthy riding the welfare pony, about the same thing as this. Ditto this situation, Canadian X buys buttloads of blank media but never downloads a song, Canadian Y buys next to none but downloads a bunch, sure it's probably not quite "moral" but hey, it's legal, like welfare and foodstamps. Personally I don't much care for either situation, but I pay my taxes anyway.

Hey, I was just reading the News.com piece on this ruling. Did I read it correctly that hard drives are NOT levied the additional tax that goes to artists but that for now you CAN download to hard drives under Canadian law?

If so, that's even better for the crooks. They could essentially avoid paying anything whatsoever to artists by stuffing their PC's full of mass hard drive storage and then just downloading every single thing on the P2P networks.

Interesting, too, is that downloading is legal while uploading is not.

Originally posted by Dixiesys
In the end it's your conscience.

Very, very true.

Someone can walk into a record store and slide a CD under their coat and perhaps get out of the store without getting caught, too -- but how could that person possibly go home and enjoy listening to that CD? Every time I put it on it would remind me of what I'd done...

Originally posted by mississa
hostpath.com your missing the point.

No, I've grasped the point.

Originally posted by mississa
As a whole Canadians still pay the same amount.

Same amount as what?

Originally posted by mississa
Just think of it as a government piggy bank and we all have access to the funds.

If you want to think of it that way, that's fine. However it doesn't work out equally in the real world.