Is allofmp3.com Legal?

Miles · 01-23-2006, 03:43 PM

Reviewer: Gerald "grsamf" Smith

Excerpt: "allofmp3.com is a Russian service operating under the laws of Russia. The service differs from most in that it offers downloads based on how many Mb's are downloaded rather than on the number of songs, albums, etc., common with other sites. Currently, the cost for U.S. customers is $0.02/Mb, which translates to roughly $0.10/song or $1.50/album. Users deposit money to their account and add to it as charges are made. Payments may be made by credit card or electronic services such as PayPal. User comments indicate that allofmp3 is a reliable service and the quality of downloads is excellent."

"The United States and Russia are at opposite extremes in the area of copyright law. The United States takes a very strict approach to copyright infringement and is among the most strict in the world. Russian copyright law is among the least strict. This allows allofmp3 to operate successfully."

"Of course, the issue is not whether allofmp3 is legal, but whether downloading and copying music and other files from that source is legal for the individual user. The answer to the former question is yes, allofmp3 is legal, at least in the locality (Russia), where it exists. The answer to the more important question is unfortunately no. For users in the United States downloading files from allofmp3 is not legal and is a violation of United States copyright laws."

"This conclusion results from what the law says and is sure to be a disappointment to many who have perhaps believed that they act legally when downloading from allofmp3. As the bearer of this bad news, I can only hope that readers will refrain from shooting the messenger."

Feel free to post your comments and questions here!

Link To Review

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c_white_wolf · 01-23-2006, 09:23 PM

I think grsamf needs to aquaint himself with each countries laws instead of giving a blanket US policy.

Canada allows music downloads due to the hefty taxes we pay on CD's, DVD's, iPods, etc. to the Music Industry to cover the cost of copyright protection.

The artists get their money from those taxes which is why the Canadian courts refused the arguments the Music Industry tried to use with regards to the Canadia Copyright laws.

AKA

We pay for the music when we buy the media to write it to!

Even if we don't use the media for that purpose.

XJ. · 01-23-2006, 09:44 PM

Well, as far as those in the US, it seems quite clear. Using allofmp3.com is like playing with fire - fun, until you're the one on fire!

Zeppelin · 01-23-2006, 10:08 PM

Thank you for investigating and bringing this important information to our attention grsamf. It is amazing how much the world is shrinking that the 'common person' can so easily run afoul of various and international laws.

h20-ski · 01-23-2006, 10:21 PM

The real problem is where does the jurisdiction start and where does it end. As who actually controls the internet. But since when we buy the music, we are not actually buying the music, but the pieces of platic that they come on.

Underwater Mike · 01-24-2006, 08:41 AM

This is really, really excellent. Nice explanation in layman's terms, and concise, too. Thanks very much!

Underwater Mike · 01-24-2006, 08:42 AM

No offense, but he clearly states (a couple times, IIRC), that his analysis applies to U.S. users, and also states the exception for Canadians.

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_white_wolf

I think grsamf needs to aquaint himself with each countries laws instead of giving a blanket US policy.

Canada allows music downloads due to the hefty taxes we pay on CD's, DVD's, iPods, etc. to the Music Industry to cover the cost of copyright protection.

The artists get their money from those taxes which is why the Canadian courts refused the arguments the Music Industry tried to use with regards to the Canadia Copyright laws.

AKA

We pay for the music when we buy the media to write it to!

Even if we don't use the media for that purpose.

Cogar · 01-24-2006, 02:25 PM

The article is excellent and brings to mind a concept that has surely escaped the "entertainment" industry. People want to do what is legal and are willing to pay for it. The problem is that the abysmal lack of talent paraded in front of us by the "entertainment" industry is not worth anything close to the price they want to charge. Let me add that I am not condoning doing anything illegal. I am stating that the RIAA and other industry "leaders" need to wake up and charge reasonable prices. If they produce products that are nothing more than "knockoffs" or brainless displays of questionable talent and taste, they cannot expect a premium price. They need to drop their industry prices by a lot. Less than 5% of the movies or music CDs out there is worth much more than $5 in my opinion. Do you want to know their "real" value is? Check out the bargain bins at Wal-Mart. Even at those prices, most movies and music CDs do not sell.

Underwater Mike · 01-24-2006, 02:42 PM

There is one reason that I find AllofMP3 attractive: flexibility.

Notice that I didn't say variety, which implies a lot of different music from which to choose. Instead, I like the fact that you can select between WMA, MP3, OGG, Wave and other formats, AND select your bitrate.

If someplace like iTunes offered as much flexibility in selecting formatting, I'd spend what Apple is asking for songs. It's not the price that is the issue for me -- it's the fact that if I want my music in 320K CBR mp3, then that's the way I want it, not 128K WMA or whatever. Simple as that.

calgonite · 02-15-2006, 04:10 PM

As far as I know they offer my CD as well and that is certainly NOT allowed by me.

Chris

Kage · 02-15-2006, 04:23 PM

what CD is that?

XenoS_abx · 02-16-2006, 07:46 PM

"Downloading music from allofmp3 is a violation of U.S. copyright laws"

That pretty much sums up the entire article, which seems a tad one sided to me. Meh, what would I know though. I'm neither a "legal expert", nor do I live in the US. Oh, and welcome to the forums "calgonite". Interesting first post. I would like to know which CD is yours as well.

Kage · 02-16-2006, 08:06 PM

I AM CANADIAN!! AND VERY GLAD TO BE IT.

KGB · 03-27-2006, 11:31 PM

Me being Russian i can tell you one thing, no one cares about copy right laws in Russia and no one is there to enforce them.

Go down to a metro, and every stop has a stand selling copies and copies of software for around $5-$20, and same software will cost you here anything between $300- $1000.
Even Bus stops have same stands. You get a CD-R with a half *** cover design and a cheap $1 case.
You can buy music and movie copies as well from other countries.

No one gives a **** there and wont for a very long time. Country has problems of its own to deal with besides illegal software, audio and video sales/reproduction/distribution.

*zapionics<alt>* · 03-28-2006, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KGB

Go down to a metro, and every stop has a stand selling copies and copies of software for around $5-$20, ...

Well, at $5 a pop in a country of 140 million people someone stands to make a nice sum indeed!

Somehow I cant see M$ or the music industry cutting themselves out of that kind of deal.

01-23-2006, 03:43 PM	#1
Miles Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,560	Is allofmp3.com Legal? Reviewer: Gerald "grsamf" Smith Excerpt: "allofmp3.com is a Russian service operating under the laws of Russia. The service differs from most in that it offers downloads based on how many Mb's are downloaded rather than on the number of songs, albums, etc., common with other sites. Currently, the cost for U.S. customers is $0.02/Mb, which translates to roughly $0.10/song or $1.50/album. Users deposit money to their account and add to it as charges are made. Payments may be made by credit card or electronic services such as PayPal. User comments indicate that allofmp3 is a reliable service and the quality of downloads is excellent." "The United States and Russia are at opposite extremes in the area of copyright law. The United States takes a very strict approach to copyright infringement and is among the most strict in the world. Russian copyright law is among the least strict. This allows allofmp3 to operate successfully." "Of course, the issue is not whether allofmp3 is legal, but whether downloading and copying music and other files from that source is legal for the individual user. The answer to the former question is yes, allofmp3 is legal, at least in the locality (Russia), where it exists. The answer to the more important question is unfortunately no. For users in the United States downloading files from allofmp3 is not legal and is a violation of United States copyright laws." "This conclusion results from what the law says and is sure to be a disappointment to many who have perhaps believed that they act legally when downloading from allofmp3. As the bearer of this bad news, I can only hope that readers will refrain from shooting the messenger." Feel free to post your comments and questions here! Link To Review __________________ Regards, Miles ________________________________ Intel I7 965 \| ASUS P6T \| 3 x 2Gb Corsair DDR-3 \| XFX GTX 260\| 2 - Seagate 750GB Barracuda ES \| Thermalright 1200 watt \| Lian Li G70 \| Windows 7 64-bit Professional \| Dell 2407 FPW Monitor Last edited by Miles; 01-23-2006 at 04:05 PM..
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01-23-2006, 09:23 PM	#2
c_white_wolf What's an eXpert? Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 1,265	I think grsamf needs to aquaint himself with each countries laws instead of giving a blanket US policy. Canada allows music downloads due to the hefty taxes we pay on CD's, DVD's, iPods, etc. to the Music Industry to cover the cost of copyright protection. The artists get their money from those taxes which is why the Canadian courts refused the arguments the Music Industry tried to use with regards to the Canadia Copyright laws. AKA We pay for the music when we buy the media to write it to! Even if we don't use the media for that purpose.
(Offline)

01-23-2006, 09:44 PM	#3
XJ. Back at the Zone! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: NH, USA Posts: 6,467	Well, as far as those in the US, it seems quite clear. Using allofmp3.com is like playing with fire - fun, until you're the one on fire!
(Offline)

01-23-2006, 10:08 PM	#4
Zeppelin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,203	Thank you for investigating and bringing this important information to our attention grsamf. It is amazing how much the world is shrinking that the 'common person' can so easily run afoul of various and international laws.
(Offline)

01-23-2006, 10:21 PM	#5
h20-ski Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 2,460	The real problem is where does the jurisdiction start and where does it end. As who actually controls the internet. But since when we buy the music, we are not actually buying the music, but the pieces of platic that they come on.
(Offline)

01-24-2006, 08:41 AM	#6
Underwater Mike Thoroughly water-cooled Join Date: May 2003 Location: Somewhere, beyond the sea Posts: 2,606	This is really, really excellent. Nice explanation in layman's terms, and concise, too. Thanks very much! __________________
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01-24-2006, 02:25 PM	#8
Cogar Level 16, lawful good Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: It varies, but usually within 100 yards of a keyboard. Posts: 7,299	The article is excellent and brings to mind a concept that has surely escaped the "entertainment" industry. People want to do what is legal and are willing to pay for it. The problem is that the abysmal lack of talent paraded in front of us by the "entertainment" industry is not worth anything close to the price they want to charge. Let me add that I am not condoning doing anything illegal. I am stating that the RIAA and other industry "leaders" need to wake up and charge reasonable prices. If they produce products that are nothing more than "knockoffs" or brainless displays of questionable talent and taste, they cannot expect a premium price. They need to drop their industry prices by a lot. Less than 5% of the movies or music CDs out there is worth much more than $5 in my opinion. Do you want to know their "real" value is? Check out the bargain bins at Wal-Mart. Even at those prices, most movies and music CDs do not sell.
(Offline)

01-24-2006, 02:42 PM	#9
Underwater Mike Thoroughly water-cooled Join Date: May 2003 Location: Somewhere, beyond the sea Posts: 2,606	There is one reason that I find AllofMP3 attractive: flexibility. Notice that I didn't say variety, which implies a lot of different music from which to choose. Instead, I like the fact that you can select between WMA, MP3, OGG, Wave and other formats, AND select your bitrate. If someplace like iTunes offered as much flexibility in selecting formatting, I'd spend what Apple is asking for songs. It's not the price that is the issue for me -- it's the fact that if I want my music in 320K CBR mp3, then that's the way I want it, not 128K WMA or whatever. Simple as that. __________________
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02-15-2006, 04:10 PM	#10
calgonite Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1	As far as I know they offer my CD as well and that is certainly NOT allowed by me. Chris
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02-15-2006, 04:23 PM	#11
Kage Memento Mori Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fiery depths of Hell Posts: 3,620	what CD is that?
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02-16-2006, 07:46 PM	#12
XenoS_abx Alien Invader Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,300	"Downloading music from allofmp3 is a violation of U.S.* copyright laws"* That pretty much sums up the entire article, which seems a tad one sided to me. Meh, what would I know though. I'm neither a "legal expert", nor do I live in the US. Oh, and welcome to the forums "calgonite". Interesting first post. I would like to know which CD is yours as well. __________________ My Rig: DFI LANparty NF4 SLI-DR + Evercool VC-RE (NF4LD406 BIOS) \| AMD64 X2 4400+ @ 2.5 GHz \| Thermalright SI-120 + Aerocool Xtreme Turbine \| Mushkin Redline 2GB DDR500 3-3-2-8 @ 500 MHz \| eVGA 7950 GX2 (500/1200) \| Dell 2405FPW 24" LCD \| Two 74GB Western Digital Raptors (00FLC0) \| Two 300GB Maxtor DiamondMax 10's \| LG GSA-4167B DL DVD/R/RW \| Creative X-Fi Platinum \| Logitech Z-5500 Speakers \| Aerocool ZeroDBA 620W PSU \| Cooler Master Stacker 830 Case \| Sunbeam Rheobus \| Logitech G15 Keyboard \| Logitech MX-1000 Mouse \| D-Link DGL-4300 Router \| Belkin Universal UPS 800VA
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02-16-2006, 08:06 PM	#13
Kage Memento Mori Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fiery depths of Hell Posts: 3,620	I AM CANADIAN!! AND VERY GLAD TO BE IT.
(Offline)

03-27-2006, 11:31 PM	#14
KGB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 309	Me being Russian i can tell you one thing, no one cares about copy right laws in Russia and no one is there to enforce them. Go down to a metro, and every stop has a stand selling copies and copies of software for around $5-$20, and same software will cost you here anything between $300- $1000. Even Bus stops have same stands. You get a CD-R with a half * cover design and a cheap $1 case. You can buy music and movie copies as well from other countries. No one gives a ** there and wont for a very long time. Country has problems of its own to deal with besides illegal software, audio and video sales/reproduction/distribution.
(Offline)

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