The pirated tunes have sound quality comparable to that of CDs, and can even be channeled through conventional stereo systems. One problem is that many of the techno-savvy fans lifting tunes online are unaware that what they are doing is illegal. Or they simply don't care. Perhaps painfully inconvenient might be a better way of putting it. Experts point out that without intellectual property laws, musicians won't get paid for their work.
Morality is what the community consensus decides is morality.
And they're a tribe of cannibals out there. A typical consumer is American University freshman Jaymin Patel. I first learned about them from a hacker friend who told me I'd never have to buy a CD again. Critics say the RIAA and the major labels are intentionally dragging their heels rather than facing the vertiginous digital future. So far, three college students have been expelled and others suspended over the issue.