Peter Jackson/ Myspace

During a discussion I was having with a friend the other week, we got talking about the ethics of downloading illegally off the Internet. Coincidently, it was right when we in the midst of music culture week in the lectures.

My friend, who refused to be named mainly because I haven't told him about this blog post, downloads basically all of his entertainment material off the Internet. DVD's, tv programmes and the like. Ever the intrepid reporter, I asked him if he thought his actions were detrimental to the entertainment industry.

"No, absolutely not. They get well paid for their efforts. Just look how well Peter Jackson did out of Lord of the Rings. He's not struggling is he?"

Admittedly, Mr Jackson's success is an exception. Not every producer can be set for life after they invent a blockbuster trilogy.

Hold on. Aren't your actions ethically wrong? Don't you feel guilty?

"Not at all. Instead of going to a movie, I pay for time spent online. Artists and producers still do well."

He wasn't going to budge from his decision. I guess we are all criminals then.

Secondly, and totally unrelated to Peter Jackson, an American analyst has predicted Myspace may be worth US$15 billion within three years.

Myspace has "massive" international appeal and has the potential to become "an intellectual property distribution powerhouse." At present, rivals YouTube are worth $1 billion, while Google has market capitalisation value of US$120 billion.

An indication of its appeal: Britain is adding a whopping 25,000 members per day. So, I beg the question: passing fad or projected fortress? The article link: http://www.theage.com.au/news/biztech/myspace-may-be-worth-us15b-analyst/2006/09/28/1159337263321.html