The recent article written by Adam Jonas on live music recording contained many fallacies.

“Imported” CDs are illegal bootlegs. The companies responsible for these “imports” and the record stores that sell them are exploiting the artists who do not receive compensation.

These CDs are often produced in countries with weak copyright laws where producers know they won’t be prosecuted.

While the production of such CDs may not be illegal in the country of origin, the unauthorized sale of copyrighted material in the United States certainly is. As Mr. Jonas pointed out in his article, many bands do allow their concerts to be recorded.

Unfortunately, as these bands see their material popping up on “import” CDs, their free taping policies often change.

Soundboard access is refused, digital recorders are not allowed, or taping is prohibited entirely.

Bands such as Widespread Panic and Phish are examples of bands who no longer allow soundboard access at their shows.

Live shows of artists who support taping are available through non-profit tape trading at a small fraction of the cost of “import” CDs.

In fact, the quality of legally traded recordings often exceeds that of illegal “import” CDs!

With the advent of computer and home audio CD recorders, such legally traded recordings are now even available on CD.

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John Rossi

Graduate student

Electrical engineering