Total Length: 3319 words ( 11 double-spaced pages)
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Music and the Internet
in order to accommodate these specifications in the number of pages requested (though the paper is 9 1/2 pages as it stands), the paper has utilized ANALYSIS in the article and the discussion section, thereby combining article summary with analysis of sources and thus putting the second point given by the professor "Then write a separate discussion the issue as a whole…" into a proper context
-however, as this paper is a model, it CANNOT be utilized as your own, so please consult the terms and conditions above for proper citation methods
Music and the Internet:
A Shift in Tradition; A Shift to Technology
Many advances in technology have changed the current living population's life, especially in developed countries. These include better food, better medicine, and better connectivity with the rest of the world. Yet perhaps one of the most important things, especially in these Westernized countries, has been the improvement of finding and enjoying entertainment in a variety of mediums, at a higher quality. Film, for example, is not only in color but also in HD (high definition). Cooking shows show simmering pots, for instance, that televisions now render so vivid, one can almost smell the aromas as well. Yet music, another form of entertainment, has perhaps experienced the most transcending change. Whereas only a few decades ago music could only be listened to in the home, on huge record players, one can now have music readily available, literally at one's fingertips, and can download and listen to a song in a matter of seconds. Yes, technology has changed the way people listen to music traditionally, but has also improved the experience, and one of the most important ways in which this has happened has been placing music on the internet, available for all for a small fee (i.e. iTunes $.99 price-wise). Thus, this paper will examine this important topic, music and the internet, and will demonstrate how this has come to fruition, through a variety of analysis found in articles, as well as will discuss the impact of this change upon generations to come in a variety of explanations in the discussion section.
Article Section
There have been many articles written on the music industry and its evolution throughout the past decades with the advent of technology, in both positive and negative light. Though this paper does not take a side and aims to present the information objectively, it is important to mention that some think that internet is good for music, as it is utilized to promote artists much better, and thus they are recognized much quicker and profits come in much more quickly as well. However, those that see music on the internet in a negative light state that the internet allows for music piracy, as there are many sites that promote illegal downloads. This was, at one time, the problem with Napster. Piracy can still not be fully controlled especially in the digital music industry, and remains a problem with legal ramifications. However, the collection of articles below aims to give readers a better idea of the kinds of things that are written about music in the digital age, from a variety of viewpoints, in chronological order for the past year.
1. This first article is found on a music research site, FGI Research, and explains how music has evolved and what devices are now used to listen to music, as well as what this has to do with the present topic, music and the internet. The article, titled "Has the Internet Changed how We Listen to Music?" describes the following:
There is data to suggest that people who listen to music through electronic devices and online devices listen to more music and for longer periods of time;
However, there was also data pointing to older devices, such as radio and CDs, which people still utilize to listen to music;
In order to see whether internet truly has changed how one listens to music, FGI performed further research and found that many more people listen to digital sources of music than radio or CDs, and that these people own more music as well and can listen to music up to 13 hours per week, thereby leading the internet as the provider of music for many people without a doubt;
The article further mentions another statistic; namely, that out of those who utilize digital sources for music, few spend more than $100/month on music, whereas those listeners who utilize traditional sources, especially CDs, can attain this mark much more quickly;
The article concludes with a mention that most music listeners today do utilize music and the internet whether purchasing or listening, and this is a huge change from decades past.[footnoteRef:1] [1: All points from: FGI Research. 2011. Has the Internet Changed How we Listen to Music? [online]. Available at: