The Dark Side of P2P File Sharing ProgramsWritten by Bill Paulk
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The legal status of P2P file sharing programs is confusing. We know that MP3 files themselves are not illegal. For example, it's legal to possess MP3s, to rip your CDs to your hard drive, and to burn CDs for your personal use. But, by sharing and/or downloading these files, you are breaking copyright laws. To my knowledge, P2P scam sites are not actually breaking any laws. But why pay for something you don't have to? One of most common techniques these scam artists use is to set up sites that are misspellings or derivations of popular P2P file sharing programs. KaZaA is probably most hijacked name being used these days. Other sites may not actually charge you anything at all, but they'll "give you software for free" if you give them your email address. This too is a scam. Because once again, they're just sending you along to a proper P2P program, but after collecting your email address, they're selling it to third parties. Don't give these scammers any of your personal information! If you're on a website you trust, even this website, you may see ads by these scam artists, preaching their lies about 100% blah, blah, blah. For your own security, don't click on links. They're still scams. (Many independent websites rely on ads to pay bills. We don't always have full control over what advertisements appear on our sites. Keep in mind that most online advertisements are arranged and distributed by third-party companies who pair up advertisements with appropriate keywords. So a page that discusses "music downloads" is likely to have an ad from a scam site singing their own false praises.) On this note, there are sites all over Internet that actually promote P2P scam sites. Why? I have my opinions. First, these scam sites are paying large sums of money to affiliates who promote their sites. For example, a scam site may be charging you $29.95 for their non-service. Well, they're paying affiliates over half (I've seen pay-out as high as 75%) of that just for getting you, visitor, to their scam sites. I Think I've Used One of these Scam Sites. What Do I Do Now? Stop! Right now, stop using that service. If you've got some type of monthly payment with them, stop paying them. Cancel your "membership," contact your bank or credit card company, and stop paying them immediately! Secondly, your computer has probably have been infected by spyware, and you need to remove it right away. I recommend purchasing spyware-removal software like Pest Patrol because they do best job at clearing out spyware parasites. If you've been pulled into a scam site, just rack it up to experience. Their ad copy is very convincing, and you just wanted to "be legal" while downloading. Take heart in knowing that you're not alone. But you're better off now, with this information at your disposal. In my opinion, this is another reason to consider not using P2P file sharing programs as a means to get your online music. I think that these P2P scam sites will increase in number, and will use more clever tactics to get your money and your information. Until peer-to-peer communities are regulated in some way, I fear that these types of activities will get worse before they improve.
A former financial advisor and NYC book editor, Bill Paulk blends these two experiences by helping people make sound buying decisions. His passion, building digital music collections through MP3 downloads, is the subject of his first website. www.mp3-music-downloads-scout.com reviews and recommends the best in legal MP3 downloads.
| | A European ChristmasWritten by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot
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Unknown to popular American custom, 'Weinachtsmann' was conceived by German-American Illustrator, Thomas Nast, who created Christmas image of Santa in America - which, ultimately set a precedent for permanent, symbolic establishment of Santa Claus. Traditionally, German Christmas is observed through 'Heilige Drei Konige Tag,' or Three Kings Day (also known as Magi or Wise Men). In some parts of Europe, such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Letters C + M + B (Caspar, Melchor, and Balthazar - and, 'Christus mansionem benedicat,' meaning 'Christ bless this house.') are etched with chalk above doorways and home entrances on January 6th. Of course, this is epitome of 12 Days of Christmas Finally, on 'Cristkind Abend (Christ Child Eve or Christmas Eve), aside from Weinachts Baum (Christmas Tree custom started by Martin Luther), families receive 'Bunte Teller,' or colored plates filled with oranges, candies, Marzipan (comprised of almonds and suger), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (fruit bread) and an assortment of chocolates and other goods. Before any gifts are exchanged, Christmas Carols like Stille Nacht (Silent Night from Austrian composer Franz Gruber) are sung by tree. To this day, I am still amazed at profound effects of Christmas' past have had on me. As a child, holiday was mystical and magical, as an adult, its beautiful memories are forever etched in my heart and soul. Wishing all a happy, memory-filled, holiday season, I am sincerely, C. Bailey-Lloyd aka. LadyCamelot Public Relations' Director Staff Writer www.holisticjunction.com www.mediapositiveradio.com Read this and other articles like this one at HolisticJunction.com today! [All work by author is copyright protected. If you would like to use this article, please contact author for permission.]
C. Bailey-Lloyd aka. LadyCamelot Public Relations' Director Staff Writer www.holisticjunction.com www.mediapositiveradio.com
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