- Downloading a song you don't own from a major label artist.
This is something that a major artist should be able to swallow by touring. In other words, if they got off their lazy butts (I'm talking to you, Metallica) and did a few concerts, they might not have anything to complain about. Plus, if the music is good enough, people will pay for it. Radiohead proved this by offering their CD "In Rainbows" online for free, and people payed for it. I know I did. Artists should be performing to spread their art, not to make money, and if they are only in it for money, they don't deserve it.
- Downloading a song you don't own from a struggling independent artist.
This I have more of a problem with, unless the artist specifically put their songs online for publicity. Struggling artists are working their butts off to earn a living doing what they love. Obviously if they are struggling they aren't in it for the money, so they deserve mine, but only if the music is good. If their music is bad, they should find a new line of work. Ooo, that was kind of harsh.
- Downloading another copy of a song you already own.
I see no problem with this at all. I already paid for the song, so I should be able to experience it through several types of media. If I lost the CD I should still be able to hear what I bought.
- Shoplifting a CD from a store.
This hurts the CD store, and the idea of closing a place like Amoeba because of theft saddens me. But I certainly don't feel bad for the artist at that point.
- Downloading a song to "try it out" - if you like it enough, you'll buy the CD.
I like this, it is a means of publicity for artists. Amoeba and other record stores have used this to their advantage by having "listening stations." I think one should be able to test the waters before dropping $10-$20 on a cd.
- Copying a CD from a friend.
Probably not the most moral thing, but there's no (reasonable) way to prevent this. Plus, making mixes for friends is a great past time and also can be a thoughtful gift.
- Making music you own available online to share with a couple of friends.
I certainly see nothing wrong with this. An artist should have the right to give away his/her music.
- Making music you own publicly available on the Internet, such as through KazAa or Limewire.
Once again, nothing wrong with this one. In fact my music taste greatly expanded when I discovered Limewire and Napster and the like. My middle school experience wouldn't have been the same without them.