‘Download Survival Guide’ Educates On File-Sharing

With the advent of file-sharing technology over the last decade, and the booming popularity of websites such as Napster, Limewire, and YouTube, the music industry has fought a losing battle to keep their copyrighted material safe and profitable for the recording artists, record companies, retailers, and music companies. In this age of ever-increasing means to easily download and share music for free, it’s no wonder that the industry has felt the desperate need to curb the file-sharing trend.

To complicate matters, it’s also become increasingly confusing to web users who don’t know what’s acceptable to download for free, and what is actually illegal.

In response to this rapidly growing problem, the “What’s The Download Music Survival Guide” was unveiled at the CMJ music festival today in New York City.The Survival Guide was put together by the “What’s The Download Interactive Advisory Board” (WTDIAB), which is comprised of 12 young music fans and several high-profile music creators and industry veterans who serve as Honorary Members, three of whom were present at the unveiling today: Chris Brown, chart-topping R&B/pop artist, Eric Garland, CEO of BigChampagne, and Shirley Halperin, “Us Weekly” Entertainment Editor.

The Survival Guide is designed to educate artists and consumers on the challenges facing music fans and music makers in today’s digital dilemma by providing seven “survival tips” – constructive solutions to tackle illegal downloading. It’sintended to be easily understood by the common person, not just the industry professionals.

In addition to outlining relevant court cases and perceptions of the music industry that have led to illegal downloading, the WTD Music Survival Guide’s insightful solutions include re-committing to artist development and educating consumers, as well as stronger proposals regarding digital rights management and compatibility. Furthermore, the Guide presents observations about why online communities are so influential, and what it will really take to get young adults to stop file-sharing illegally.

“As both an artist and a huge music fan, I see how much effort goes into making music, but also how confusing the music industry can be to fans,” said Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Kelly Clarkson (also an Honorary Member of WTDIAB). “Ensuring that music retains its value is a subject that is very close to my heart, so being part of the What’s The Download Interactive Advisory Board’s educational campaign has been a valuable experience. It’s wonderful to see the Board create something as positive as the WTD Music Survival Guide.”

“I’m proud to be part of the What’s The Download campaign and its cool group of music makers who are helping to turn up the volume on so many important topics facing the industry today,” said Chris Brown of his inclusion as an Honorary Board Member. “Being a relatively new artist out there, I am living the conflict of both needing my music to be heard as well as needing my music to be sold.”

Eric Garland adds, “What we really need to work on in earnest is ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their work. This groundbreaking report by the WTDIAB is a step in the right direction, and I would recommend it as required reading for anyone who cares about music.”

If you are someone who cares about music, and you’d like to know more, please read the Survival Guide at www.whatsthedownload.com.