Musings Archive

9-1-02: Hmmm.... (Posted from 9-1-02 to 2-8-03)

Only a few weeks after I wrote my second Musings installment, I decided my third one would address the ethics of digisubs. Since that day in March, I have lost count of how many times I started over, struggling to say what I truly felt, in the manner that it deserved. But no matter how hard I tried, I could never make it work. What I wanted to say was just too hypocritical. How could I lecture against downloading anime episodes--fansubbed works OR commercially released titles--when I myself am breaking the copyright code with my mp3 site? I keep telling myself that there's a difference between digisub servers and AMP...but there isn't, not really. I don't have persmission to distribute these mp3s. Yeah, I don't get any money from it, but then neither do the copyright holders. Yeah, I don't give away entire CDs of songs, but I do give away the most popular songs that a fan should buy the CD to hear in the first place. I'm cutting into the profit of those who may lawfully release and distribute anime music music. I am the villain here.

Sure, my site says if you like the song, buy the CD. But how many of us actually do? I only own about 35 anime CDs, versus my 1700+ anime mp3s. I WANT to own all of the songs on CD, but could I ever possible manage to do it? No. I don't have the money, or really the drive. Hell, I only buy the CDs I desperately want! For the rest, I just find the mp3s I need for my site, and go on to the next anime's music.

All I can say is that anime fans must decide for themselves just how law-abiding they want to be. It's up to you. Are you perfectly fine downloading that anime series off the net, and never buying the DVDs for yourself? Have you ever replaced a fansub of your favorite show with a licensed copy? Do you gladly purchase cheap bootleg DVD sets from Taiwan, crappy sutitles and all? Does it matter to you if your collection is mainly copied from rental tapes or the videos of others? Do you care if you own a bootleg CD of a soundtrack, instead of a legitimate Japanese-made import? Will you ever buy that CD which contains your favorite anime mp3?? Each of those questions is personal, and the answer is different for every time.

What I will say about anime ethics is this: remember, someone in Japan wrote that story you love, designed those characters that made you laugh and cry. Someone carefully scripted each note of your favorite song, and someone else trained their voice for endless hours to properly sing it. Do you want to show your appreciation by supporting their work with your money....or not?

It's entirely up to you. But then, I have no room to lecture about anime morals. My opinion is just my opinion, and that's it.

Regards,

Sailor Two Moons <:P

9-1-02