Prompt # 2 Response

I do not create re-mixes or mash ups because of the fact that I am not creative enough to do so. If I did have the ability, I would love to create that magic that remixes and mash- ups cultivate. Unfortunately, the technology practice I always engage in is downloading free music. I use the word free because it does not sound as bad as the real term, which is illegally.

Every time I go to download.in or to a YouTube to mp3 converter website, I always have this alarmed feeling. It is because I do not want to click on the wrong thing. The feeling comes from the fact that I am aware that what I am doing is not right. Even though music producers and artist make a load of money, creating music is their job and they should be paid for it. In spite of this feeling, I have not stopped downloading music this way. I download music often, about once a week. Every time I do download, I download multiple songs. The reason I download free music is because I do not have the money for this guilty pleasure. Even though a dollar for each song does not sound like a lot, it definitely becomes a lot of money when I have 800 songs in my iPod.

Another technology practice I engage in is viewing movies or TV shows online for free. Currently, I have not been able to do this as much because most videos are being blocked or removed because of copyright infringement. When I do watch online videos and movies, I do not feel as if I was stealing, like I do when I download music. Most of what I view online for free, is free on TV. The only reason I watch videos online instead of on TV is because of time limitation and scheduling. When I think about it, I do not practice this very often. Only when Glee is back on session, I do go to websites like TVblink and Cucirca to watch my show.

I do not agree with stealing, but I will continue practicing my illegal downloading online. I am just a college student with loans, who cannot afford to pay for music and videos. Many would say to stop if I cannot afford it, but I cannot to that because I cannot function without music. It is an essential part of my life.