We are in the midst of a great upheaval in the distribution of media, including films. The old model, in which media conglomerates controlled content, price, and access, is quickly being subverted. Despite legal threats, BitTorrent networking has emerged as the most popular form of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. For millions, these networks are an increasingly attractive option to bypass traditional media routes. In fact, Millennials, the generation born from 1980 – 2000, have not only grown accustomed to free content, but viewing it in nontraditional ways (e.g. computers, mobile devices). Thus far, media conglomerates have largely resisted change. But they have cried foul, citing significant losses to their bottom line as a result of BitTorrents. Not surprisingly, a coalition of Hollywood studios, governmental agencies, and Internet service providers (ISPs) have heavily cracked down on illegal downloaders—damages can now total up to $250,000 per case. But is free content the new normal? Who are the winners and losers in this new paradigm? Finally, if the legality or ethics of pirating hasn’t persuaded millions of users to stop, what can or will prompt them to return to paying for films? Can you provide a viable alternative to the current model that would curb, or eliminate, film piracy? In a clear and concise editorial, argue for or against the use of torrents in obtaining and viewing films.
Cite from the following texts below to support your thesis:
- “Torrents for Dummies” (SloMo Tech)
- “Why Movie Piracy IS Bad (And What to Do About it)” (ScreenRant)
- “Real Cost of 'Free' Downloads” (USA Today)
- “You Will Never Kill Piracy, and Piracy Will Never Kill You” (Forbes)
- “How Hollywood is Encouraging Online Piracy” (Scientific American)
- “Why I Stopped Pirating and Started Paying for Media” (Lifehacker)
- “How People are Caught Illegally Downloading Music, Movie Torrents” (International Business Times)
- "Dallas Buyers Club Piracy Case: Court Dismisses Many of Studio's 'Surreal' Claims" (Guardian)
- "Summer Movie Piracy Rises: ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Tops 2015 Downloads" (Variety)
Remember, an editorial expresses an opinion on a current issue. It may take a formal or informal tone, but its primary goal is always to persuade readers. Because editorials were born in newspapers, they are traditionally succinct in form and can often carry the "voice" of the author.
Sample editorials from around the country:
- "Donald Trump is an Aimless, Angry Leader" (Washington Post)
- "Refusal to Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses is Not an Expression of Religious Liberty" (New Haven Register)
- "A Shameful Response in Europe to the Refugee Crisis in North Africa and Mideast" (Los Angeles Times)
- "Overreaction in Clock-Bomb Mix-Up has Chilling Effect" (Dallas Morning News)
The best papers will:
- Have a title that articulates its point of view
- Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
- Have a concise thesis which outlines a clear position
- Be written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
- Clearly support their theses with solid evidence and a logical structure, thoughtfully citing from the articles above
- Conclude with a summation of the argument
- Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
- Are in compliance with MLA Style
Requirements:
- 2-3 pages in length
- MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
- Works cited page
Due: Wed 9.23 (Draft 1: Bring 2 copies); Wed 10.30 (Final draft: Attach draft 1 to back AND a one paragraph summary on the changes between drafts)
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