The conflict between artists, fans and record companies conveys the message that it will be impossible to return to the old methods. Yet free, uncompensated exchange of artist s property may deter future innovation. The majority of artists do see their music as their property, physical or not. They cling to intellectual property rights even in a non-physical world like the Internet. The fact of the matter is, however, that just like 55 mph speed limits, copyrights mean very little in a world where they are not honored.
Record labels are unfalteringly opposed to the piracy of their property.
They, unlike artists, are solely in the business of making money. Intellectual property laws and the physical nature of their product have always protected them from unabashed and uncontrollable piracy. Furthermore, sound quality and efficiency were barriers to the profitability of reproductions. With MP3 technology and the digitization of music, these barriers no longer exist. The Internet is threatening to cut out the middleman and directly link the artists to the fans.