Originally Posted by ScottC
Isn't that the entire business model of iTunes? Just because the Russian music indudstry doesn't have same ripoff licensing rates as the RIAA doesn't make them illegal. If you think it may be perfectly ethical to violate DMCA laws by removing DRM then I fail to see how you don't think it is ethical to use allofmp3.
No, itunes's business model is to sign a contract with an artist (or more likely his distributor), and Apple turns over the lion's share of the revenue to the record company that owns the distribution rights. Allofmp3 takes those same songs and sells them without permission. What allofmp3 does is no different as the guys who make and sell pirated DVDs. You're aware that's illegal?
If I purchase a DVD (or a track on iTunes or Urge) and remove the DRM in order to play it on my incompatible player, no, I don't think I've done anything wrong, even though I've certainly violated the DMCA.
I'm aware that most people don't think like me, and that both acts are illegal. I just feel that violating the DMCA to use a song I paid for is okay, and is much more morally defensible than abetting what amounts to large scale piracy.
Does my position really seem that inconsistent to you?