illegal downloading = haram???

this is an issue which I've thought abt a couple of months ago, while doing some research while preparing for LNAT. (for those of you who dont know, LNAT = Law National Admissions Test)

when we illegally download music/videos/or any files, are we committing a sin???

i mean, think abt it. the singer earns a living by making music. when we illegally download it, they dont reap any benefit from it.

well, it can be argued that the act of listening to songs can be classified as sinful. but lets assume that it is not, than are we committing a sin by not rewarding someone for his or her... erm... service.

well, lets put religion aside and argue it from an economic point of view. illegal downloading = inefficient allocation of resources. i mean, it must distort the circular flow of income.. somehow. because there can only be a balance if the singer's cost (i.e making the music, renting a studio etc) is covered and this can only be done through a legal transaction.

with this in mind,i purchased She & Him's volume one from itunes.

and its worth every single penny :)

p/s: my fav track from this album is you really got a hold on me :)

mimiko, if ur reading this, check out the song ya :)