Objectivity forces me to admit that I entered this debate a few months back without thinking past stage one. While I’ve been an avid consumer of live recordings, I fully accept the reality that the law is abundantly clear, and I was breaking it.
Despite the intensity of one’s desire for the trading practice to fall completely within the letter of the law, it doesn’t. The pro-trading arguments appear to be nothing short of toting the baggage of moral relativity into the music community.
With regards to Jon Weisberger’s comments on the matter, he’s dead on. Additionally, I see no expression within his opinions that can justifiably be labeled as “hateful” or any other cheap-shot, hollow adjectives. He’s also shown remarkable durability withstanding the insipid personal battering sent his way. I suspect a personal vendetta seeping through.
He’s clear, he’s concise and he’s right. I’m really glad this music enjoys some individuals that can communicate their views objectively.
Do I wish the taping/trading practice were wide open and free of charge? Sure. The same way I wish that I could go to dinner tonight without charge and there were no mortgage payments. Unfortunately, that’s not reality.
Despite this situation isn’t as glaringly obvious as dinner or a mortgage, its validity is no less. An individual doesn’t have the right to a portion of another individual’s life… regardless of how much they want it or how good it makes them feel.
How can anyone argue with this premise?
Have I deleted my live recordings? No. I’d gladly pay to keep most of them. They represent some of the most cherished music in my collection and undoubtedly the set I would choose from for an eternity on a deserted island. They convey the emotion and skill that I appreciate in this music. I do hope that the involved parties embrace this avenue and use it to their advantage, so that I can continue to enjoy live, raw recordings.
If not, that’s life.
