7 Tips for Writing a Film Review

7 Tips for Writing a Film Review 7 Tips for Writing a Film Review 7 Tips for Writing a Film Review By Mark Nichol At the point when I composed for my school paper, one of the assignments I appreciated most was composing film audits. Also, I was awful at it, as I before long figured it out. Why? I was composing what could be compared to book reports: film reports. Luckily, I woke up and understood that assessing movies and plays and so forth (and, truly, books) is increasingly convoluted, yet all the more fulfilling, that that. Here are a few hints not really in the request where they would be applied in your composition for making film audits (which are pretty much relevant for checking on different kinds of arrangement, or even items like programming or devices): 1. In the event that conditions grant, see the film more than once. It’s not entirely obvious key components, or even the general purpose, after only a solitary review. 2. Express your assessment of the film, however bolster your analysis. In the event that you are annoyed or frustrated or humiliated, give a legitimate explanation, regardless of whether you think it is self-evident. A movie audit that appears to be an individual assault on an on-screen character, executive, or screenwriter or a harangue about a sort is a bombed survey. 3. Change the style of your audit for the readership. In the event that you’re pitching audits to a customary distribution, you’re expected to be genuinely fair (however even standard film pundits are allowed nay, expected to delicately ridicule especially maladroit filmmaking). On the off chance that your intended interest group is fanboys (and fangirls) on a film nerd Web webpage, however, don't hesitate to take the gloves off. In any case, however, bolster your analysis with legitimate perceptions; throwing denunciation isn't a similar thing as assessment. 4. Dodge spoilers. One of the most malicious genuinely ongoing improvements in the audit type is the reckless, negligent disclosure of key plot focuses. It’s an indication of polished methodology to cease from parting with such data. Special case: Reviews of recently discharged movies don’t essentially cling to this standard, however it’s still viewed as donning to caution perusers or site guests to jump to the following section on the off chance that they don’t need to understand something. Some tasteful locales really code spoilers to be imperceptible except if the guest looks over the clear zone to feature that section in the audit. 5. Judge the story. Are the character’s activities legitimized, and are their thought processes conceivable? Is there an interior consistency to the manner in which every individual acts, or do a few words, contemplations, or activities ring bogus? Does the plot bode well? Is the story line consistent? Is the story curve very much molded, with an economy of structure, or is it overweight or drawn out, with time-killing pointlessness? 6. Rate the on-screen characters. Do they meet the desires directed by the plot and other story components? If not, is it their own actor inadequacies, would they say they are hampered by a poor content, or is there something about their exhibitions that causes you to accept the executive is to blame? What could the entertainers, the screenwriters, or the producer have done another way to make the film work better? 7. Assess the specialized components. How do the cinematography, altering, lighting, sound, and different segments bolster or diminish the film? Is music suitable and successfully utilized? You needn’t know film-innovation language to share your contemplations about how these components added to or brought down the entirety. Composing film surveys is in one manner an unpleasant undertaking: Often, perusers will differ with you, and numerous individuals will head out to see motion pictures without your savvy direction. How to dodge dissatisfaction? Expounding on motion pictures, such as expounding on pretty much whatever else, ought to be essentially an activity in happiness: You do it since you like doing it. In the event that any other individual out there appreciates the consequence of your activity in self-amusement, that would be preferable yet you’re your own essential crowd (and your most noticeably terrible pundit). Need to improve your English quickly a day? Get a membership and begin accepting our composing tips and activities day by day! Continue learning! Peruse the Freelance Writing class, check our mainstream posts, or pick a related post below:Spelling Test 1Top 11 Writing Apps for iOS (iPhone and iPad)Threw and Through

13 Cool and Creative Ways to Say I Love You

13 Cool and Creative Ways to Say I Love You That clumsy second when you believe you love somebody yet don't have a clue how to communicate it. Sounds recognizable? Everything deteriorates as the Valentine’s Day comes and it is relied upon to be an opportunity to proclaim love. Clearly, you need to make the second uncommon. You need to place genuine significance into the standard expression I love you. Or on the other hand you need to follow the rule an activity is worth one thousand words. Anyway, here are the absolute most remarkable approaches to show your unique somebody that they are so imperative to you. Also, not just on the Valentine’s Day. 1. Love Soundwave No, we’re not looking at sending a singing wire. Rather, consider getting a ring, emblem, or painting of the soundwave of a unique expression. A few organizations can take your adored one’s name (or even a sentimental inside â€Å"code word†) and transform it into a wonderful image of your dedication. 2. iPhone Style Love Message In our iPhone age it’s likely that your adored one invests more energy in their telephone than flipping through photograph collections. Things being what they are, the reason not give the person in question a steady token of you, each time they go to check their Facebook? There are numerous organizations like Casetify or Spreadshirt that permit you to transform your Instagram photographs into a token case for iPhone, so your cherished one generally has a close by token of the amount you give it a second thought. 3. Enchantment Beans In the event that you have an accomplice that doesn’t mind the expectation of hanging tight for your Valentine’s message, look no farther than the Talking Beans. After only a couple of long stretches of delicate consideration, this genuine bean plant shoots from its blessing wrapped bundling with an individual message cut into the bean itself. It’s charming, however it’s path more advantageous than candy! 4. A Toast to Remember Breakfast has never been the most sentimental supper of a day. Time to break generalizations. The economical silicone toast-topper permits you to print your adoration message straightforwardly onto the morning meal treat. Nothing can beat this for a beginning to the ideal day. 5. The Art of Love Why not transform love rub into bit of adoration? It might appear to be somewhat gooey however it was some time in the past when the sonnets were composed and representations were painted for the sake of affection. Be unique and resuscitate the convention. You may utilize increasingly current works of art. There are instant Love Is Art packs with white canvas, red and dark paint, and body scrubber. Antiquated pencil and paper will likewise do as long as you utilize those to communicate your emotions. 6. Love Puzzle Who can leave behind a chance to endeavor to finish a riddle? Presently, you can show your affection the amount you care by giving them the endowment of puzzlement notwithstanding the sweet love message. The alternatives are various †make a riddle out of your preferred photograph or purchase an instant riddle, similar to a Sweet Talk Valentine’s Rubik’s Cube. 7. Computerized Style On the off chance that you need to have a major effect on a little financial plan, this is perhaps the best experience you can give your accomplice. All you need is to however helium-filled inflatables and pack them into your paramour’s condo. At that point, transform your messages of affection into one of a kind QR codes and tape them to each dangling string. It’s a great method to share the individual reminders you’ve been yearning to let them know. 8. Double Language of Love Why settle for letting him know or her how you feel in English? Step into the future by sharing your sentiments in double code. Despite the fact that you can purchase a jewelry or ring with â€Å"I Love You† written in the language of PCs, you can likewise set aside some cash and make something all your own. QBit can assist you with interpreting your message so you can transform it into craftsmanship, food, or a tattoo to intrigue your adored one. 9. For Those Who Are Daring Enough Show that your adoration is unceasing and you are not reluctant to catch it foreveron your skin. Plan a tattoo for you and your cherished one and recommend to go to the tattoo salon together. In the event that your sweetheart isn't much into tattoos, you can do it all alone. Simply ensure you spell her(his) name right or better pick some unique image of your connections. 10. Level Up Your Love In the event that you have a gamer darling, they will go Donkey Kong all over you when they understand what this blessing can do. The 8-Bit Dynamic Light Shirt is intended to be bought two by two, with each shirt demonstrating six hearts at half-life. At the point when the shirts get into vicinity of one another, full wellbeing is reestablished. How’s that for a game-changing Valentine’s blessing? 11. The Way to His Heart†¦ It just wouldn’t be a revelation of affection without a bundle. Be that as it may, this year, flavor it up by making a Bacon Bouquet. All you need is a bunch of plastic rose stems, a container (or brew stein), and a bundle of bacon. Wrap each piece like a blossom bud and fry for 8-10 minutes. This is an imaginative option in contrast to exhausting old roses, and unquestionably progressively tasty! 12. Go Old Fashioned There was an old decent convention to make blended tapes for the dates. Sentimental as hellfire. On the off chance that you are into vintage and youll discover the best approach to make a blended tape or a vinyl in with great music †make certain to do it. It will be acknowledged without a doubt. Be that as it may, there is a simpler and increasingly current approach to do it †CDs, mp3 players or some other approaches to make a play show you may consider. 13. Simply Say It Nothing is progressively sentimental a true and nothing can communicate your emotions better than saying the words I love you. Ensure the second is unique. Presumably itll be a poorly conceived notion to state it in the stuffed open vehicle, however its your choice when the second is compose. Recall †your sound and eye to eye connection are significant. In the event that you get apprehensive about the thought †take a stab at rehearsing it before the mirror. Be that as it may, regardless of how you state it and where you state it †in the event that you are with the correct individual youll never lament saying it so anyone can hear. We are sitting tight for your criticism! Which thought did you like the best? What is your own particular manner to innovatively communicate your sentiments?

SATs Should I Take Before the Actual Test TKG

How Many Practice ACTs/SATs Should I Take Before the Actual Test Jennifer Lawrence was supposedly discovered by chance. Legend has it that the young Lawrence was on a trip to New York with her family when a talent agent stopped them on the street and asked Lawrence to come read for a part. Sylvester Stallone, on the other hand, worked as a dirt-poor struggling actor for many years. Stallone worked tirelessly to get the film “Rocky”--a film that he wrote-- made. Some say he pitched the script to producers 150 times before it got picked up and though he finally fulfilled his dreams, it is said that he was forced to sell his dog to make ends meet in the process.We all wish we could be like Jennifer Lawrence, but when it comes to ACT/SATs, assume that you are Sylvester Stallone.Going In One More Round When You Don’t Think You CanMany students ask us how many practice tests they should take before sitting for the real thing. We suggest taking as many as you can. There is no exact science here. You should take as many practice tests as it takes fo r you to feel comfortable. Notice that we did not say you should “take as many practice tests as it takes for you to get a perfect score.” It’s all about progress. So before you start your prep work, we recommend setting a goal and sticking with it until you consistently get there, or at least get consistently close.It Ain’t About How Hard You Hit. It’s About How Hard You Can Get Hit and Keep Moving Forward Let’s say you get an 1100 on the first practice SAT and you set a goal of 1400. You’ve taken several practice tests at this point and you keep hitting a 1350. Even though you haven’t quite hit the 1400 mark, it’s time to take the test. Putting it off for another two months isn’t going to raise you to a perfect score.It’s Your Right To Listen To Your Gut A lot of people ask us how they decide between the SAT and the ACT. So, should you prep for both?No.A championship boxer doesn’t need both the hamburger and the cheeseburger. Choose one. Take a diagnostic t est online. Whichever test you do marginally better on or whichever one makes you more comfortable, go with that one and never look back.If You’re Willing To Go Through All the Battling You Got To Go Through To Get Where You Want To Get, Who’s Got The Right To Stop You?Well, the truth is, the university has the right to stop you if your scores aren’t great. This day and age, a lot of schools, namely liberal arts colleges, are going test-optional. If you’re trying for an Ivys, however, your test scores are really going to matter and there is no minimum. High GPAs are no substitute for poor test scores, so explore a diversity of tutors until you find the right one and keep on hitting those practice tests.Just don’t take the real thing more than three times.Applying to schools is a team effort. If you need a coach during the test-taking process, you can find us here.

Compare Contrast Lincoln and Jfk - 1762 Words

Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin on February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentucky. Much of his childhood was a struggle; his mother dying when he was just ten years old, and with his father being a frontiersman, money was scarce. He had to strive for a comfortable living, and he spent his days working on a farm and keeping a store. Education was also something of limited resources, but because of his hunger for knowledge, he was able to read, write, and cipher. Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846 where he played part of the Illinois legislature for eight years, and for many years he also rode the circuit of courts. His ambition was a little engine that knew no rest, stated one of his law partners. He ran for the position of†¦show more content†¦He suffered many illnesses growing up, most of which were undiagnosed, and spent most of his time rejuvenating. He attended Harvard University, and while in England with his Father (the ambassador of the United Kingdom) he wrote his senior essay on the lack of readiness England had for World War II. His essay was later published and became the best seller, Why England Slept. After Kennedy graduated from Harvard, the United States soon entered the Second World War. He gave many efforts to join the U.S. Navy, but most were turned down due to his poor health. With the help of his father, he was finally admitted to serve in the South Pacific where he would command a motor-torpedo boat. For rescuing his crew, he earned the Medal for Valor, and for the many injuries and illnesses he sustained, he earned a Purple Heart. In 1946, after the war, Kennedy was elected into Congress, where he served three terms in the House of Representatives. He represented the working-class Boston district, and earned the reputation of being a conservative Democrat. In 1952, he ran for U.S. Senate, and defeated the Republican from Massachusetts, Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. In 1956, he was hopeful for a vice presidential position, but lost to Estes Kefauver, a senator from Tennessee. However, in 1960, he won the Democratic nomination for the 1960 presidential election. He ran against Republican Richard Nixon. Despite manyShow MoreRelatedCompare and Contrast Lincoln And Jfk Essay1745 Words   |  7 PagesAbraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin on February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentucky. Much of his childhood was a struggle; his mother dying when he was just ten years old, and with his father being a frontiersman, money was scarce. He had to strive for a comfortable living, and he spent his days working on a farm and keeping a store. Education was also something of limited resources, but because of his hunger for knowledge, he was able to read, write, and cipher. Lincoln was elected to CongressRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagestransformations in where humans lived, how they earned their livings, and their unprecedented ability to move about the globe. Moya and McKeown set the patterns of migration in the twentieth century against those extending back millennia, and they compare in imaginative ways the similarities and differences among diverse flows in different geographical areas and across ethnic communities and social strata. They consider not only the nature, volume, and direction of migrant movements motivated primarilyRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagesstudents can hone their analytical skills and also their persuasive skills—not selling products but selling their ideas—and defend them against critical scrutiny. This is great practice for the arena of business to come. NEW TO THIS EDITION In contrast to the early editions, which examined only notable mistakes, and based on your favorable comments about recent editions, I have again included some well-known successes. While mistakes provide valuable learning insights, we can also learn from

Frequencies and Relative Frequencies in Histograms

In the construction of a histogram, there are several steps that we must undertake before we actually draw our graph. After setting up the classes that we will use, we assign each of our data values to one of these classes then  count the number of data values that fall into each class and draw the heights of the bars. These heights can be determined by two different ways that are interrelated: frequency or relative frequency. The frequency of a class is the count of how many data values fall into a certain class wherein classes with greater frequencies have higher bars and classes with lesser frequencies have lower bars. On the other hand, relative frequency requires one additional step as it is the measure of what proportion or percent of the data values fall into a particular class. A straightforward calculation determines the relative frequency from the frequency by adding up all the classes frequencies and dividing the count by each class by the sum of these frequencies. The Difference Between Frequency and Relative Frequency To see the difference between frequency and relative frequency we will consider the following example. Suppose we are looking at the history grades of students in 10th grade and have the classes corresponding to letter grades: A, B, C, D, F. The number of each of these grades gives us a frequency for each class: 7 students with an F9 students with a D18 students with a C12 students with a B4 students with an A To determine the relative frequency for each class we first add the total number of data points: 7 9 18 12 4 50. Next we, divide each frequency by this sum 50. 0.14 14% students with an F0.18 18% students with a D0.36 36% students with a C0.24 24% students with a B0.08 8% students with an A The initial data set above with the number of students who fall into each class (letter grade) would be indicative of the frequency while the percentage in the second data set represents the relative frequency of these grades. An easy way to define the difference between frequency and relative frequency is that frequency relies on the actual values of each class in a statistical data set while relative frequency compares these individual values to the overall totals of all classes concerned in a data set. Histograms Either frequencies or relative frequencies can be used for a histogram. Although the numbers along the vertical axis will be different, the overall shape of the histogram will remain unchanged. This is because the heights relative to each other are the same whether we are using frequencies or relative frequencies. Relative frequency histograms are important because the heights can be interpreted as probabilities. These probability histograms provide a graphical display of a probability distribution, which can be used to determine the likelihood of certain results to occur within a given population. Histograms are useful tools to quickly observe trends in populations in order for statisticians, lawmakers, and community organizers alike to be able to determine the best course of action to affect the most people in a given population.

Ernest Hemingway An Influential Writer - 2132 Words

Ernest Hemingway is considered one of the most influential writers of his time. His fictional stories contain a great deal of information surrounding his life, letting his readers in without saying that it is about him. Hemingway grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, where after high school he decided to forgo college and begin his career as a journalist, an unexpected move after having a successful high school career. However, even without any formal college education, he became a significant writer that was well respected around the world. The question of how remains even decades after his death. Hemingway, a sheltered suburbanite, branched out and gained a better understanding of the world through numerous life experiences such as his contributions to several wars, his years as a journalist as further travels. This allowed Hemingway the insight he needed to become the renowned author that is still well received today. A year after graduating high school, Hemingway d ecided to put forth his efforts into joining the war after becoming inspired when he saw men he knew joining. However, he was skeptical, believing his poor eyesight would leave him unaccepted. It wasn’t until engaging with fellow Kansas City Star reporter, Theodore Brumback, that Hemingway learned he could still help the war effort by becoming an ambulance driver for the American Field Service. Leaving behind his disapproving father, the rest of his family and reigning from the Star afterShow MoreRelatedErnest Hemingway s The Lost Generation885 Words   |  4 PagesErnest Hemingway was a famous modernist writer during the 20th century. Hemingway was part of what was known as â€Å"The Lost Generation† this name arose post-World War 1. The modernist movement was a drastic change in numerous things such as art and literature. Ernest contributed much to this movement with his literary works. World War 1 played a major role in not only modernism, but also Hemingwayâ€⠄¢s writing. Ernest Miller Hemingway was a modernist writer who took his experiences from World War 1 andRead More Ernets Hemingway Essay example1287 Words   |  6 Pages Ernest Hemingway I.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Introduction to Ernest Hemingway II.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Life and Times A.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Early Life 1.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Birth 2.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Parents 3.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Influences 4.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Siblings 5.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Hobbies B.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Adulthood 1.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;War 2.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Influences 3.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;MarriageRead MoreErnest Hemingway, the Writer of Lost Generation Essay1322 Words   |  6 PagesLiving in the overwhelming burden of the war, the â€Å"Lost Generation†, which Ernest Hemingway was a part of, was a group of people spending their spring of life in warfare and aftereffect of war (Lost Generation). He was a laureate of the Novel Prize in Literature in 1954 as an influential American novelist. Ernest Hemingway expressed his experience and sentiments in his writings, exerting profound impact on American Literature (Nobel Prize). His birth, upbringing, employment, literary works, and effectRead MoreAn Analysis Of Ernest Hemingway s The Old Man 1678 Words   |  7 PagesErnest Hemingway?s The Old Man in the Sea is one of his most memorable books. He was trying to send us all a message about the struggles of everyday life. He wrote the book with minimal amounts of characters but with many examples of symbolism. The way Hemingway wrote this novel he left it open for interpretation despite his claim that there no hidden messages. Hemingway?s use of symbolism was very evident in this book. Many of us can interpret each symbol differently. Some critics believe hisRead MoreErnest Hemingway: A Brief Biography 1210 Words   |  5 PagesErnest Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1899. He was a writer who started his career with a newspaper office in Kansas City when he was seventeen. When the United States got involved in the First World War, Hemingway joined with a volunteer ambulance unit in the Italian army. During his service, he was wounded, and was decorated by the Italian Government. Upon his return to the United States, he was employed by Canadian and American newspapers as a reporter, and sent back to EuropeRead MoreAnalysis Of A Farwell To Arms By Ernest Hemingway1490 Words   |  6 PagesErnest Hemingway was a great American writer that accomplished many pieces of work including short stories, novels and journals. Hemingway was born in 1899 and raised in Illinois; he first started writing in high school for his schools newspaper cover things such as the local orchestra and working for the school year book. After graduation from high school he started his first job as journalist in Kanas working for the Kansas City Star newspaper. Hemingway soon left Kansas to serve in WWI as anRead MoreThe Influence Of Heroism In The Old Man And The Sea By Ernest Hemingway754 Words   |  4 Pageson how to be a man (at least to me). The Hemingway’ way is different from most writers but it might just be the most influential. That is just my opinion. Out of all his works, we take three stories and one from Tim O’Brien whose work is influenced by the man himself. Our stories all tie in with one another and a trait they all share or the ones we will discuss are bravery/pressure and one look at antiheroism. Bravery is one main influence amongst Hemingway characters. The old man, Francis MacomberRead More hemingway Essay1427 Words   |  6 Pages Ernest Hemingway was an American writer. He was born in 1899 in Oak Park, Illinois. He committed suicide in 1961 in Ketchum, Idaho (Burges 17). Even today Hemingway is one of the most recognized authors in the world. Hemingway’s experiences during World War I are directly shown in many of his works. His general outlook on life is reflected in the adventures of his characters. It is clear that Hemingway had a desire to be part of the war even though, due to bad vision he was unable to enlist in theRead More Earnest Hemingway Essay3001 Words   |  13 Pages Earnest Hemingway nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;As one of the 20th centurys most important and influential writers. His writings drew heavily on his own experiences for his writing. His writing reflected his trouble with relating to women and his tendency to treat them as objects, as he had four marriages and countless affairs, highlighting his theme of alienation and disconnection. Now here is why he is what he is by writing about what he was. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Ernest Miller HemingwayRead MoreThe Struggle of Life and War in Ernest Hemingway’s Writing 1071 Words   |  5 PagesErnest Hemingway was one of the greatest authors of the twentieth century. His simple style, lucid depictions, and relatable narratives propelled him into a world of literary fame. These unique attributes are inimitable; Hemingway relates to the reader on a deeper level that even the best imitators cannot achieve. For this and many other reasons, critics praise Hemingway for the indefinable work of an exceptional writer. One of his most well-known novels, A Farewell to Arms, is notorious for its

Recording Industry and the Digital Age Essay Example For Students

Recording Industry and the Digital Age Essay In this essay, several studies are examined that illustrate the economic impact of digital piracy on the music industry and the U. S. economy. Also examined are the changes made in copyright laws, as well as the recording industry’s strategies designed to deal with this growing problem. The first study, done for California Management Review in 2010, shows steady industry growth throughout 1990’s quickly eroded with Napster’s rise in popularity in 1999. A second study, completed in 2009 for the International Science Review, backed up earlier claims made by the recording industry in Federal Court that they account for a significant portion of the U. S. Gross Domestic Product. The study also shows a direct correlation between increases in file sharing and decreases in sales. The final study examined was completed in 2009 for Contemporary Economic Policy. It offers evidence that the recording industry’s partnerships with digital content providers, is having a positive effect on consumer’s willingness to pay for low priced premium content. Further research is required in order to measure the impact these partnerships have in reducing online piracy. Keywords: digital piracy, music piracy, file sharing, economic impact, U. S. Copyright Law Captain Crook: Why the Recording Industry must Adapt to the Digital Age According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, the Entertainment Industry accounts for 6% of the United States Gross Domestic Product (Bender Wang, 2009). Since 1999, the RIAA has seen sales of recorded music drop from $14. billion in 1999, to $7 billion in 2011 (Scope of the Problem, n. d. ). The source of the recording industry’s dramatic losses since 1999, are the pervasive number of sites that offer free uploaded music available for downloading and sharing. These sites have crippled a music industry that many felt had been too slow adapting to changes in the way music was being sought after and ultimately consumed. The act of making music available on-line , and/or copying said music , for free, without compensating the copyright holder, is called piracy. Piracy is a form of copyright infringement. No matter what name it is given, piracy is a criminal act that is wrong and is impacting the Recording Industry and this country’s economic recovery. A major issue that must be addressed is the overall attitude of indifference towards illegal downloading. This is especially true with the generation that came of age at the turn of the Millennium. The role of technology in their lives, and its ability to provide instant access to information, informs how they perceive information and its uses. It’s not to say this generation condones theft; they simply don’t see it as stealing. To them, downloading and sharing digital music files without paying, is nothing more than an exchange of information. Traditionally, this is the very demographic that has always been the recording industry’s bread and butter. There are those who would argue that the current copyright laws are outdated and no longer apply in the 21st century. In the opinion of some, the rules have changed; and so must the very definition of what constitutes copyright theft. Regardless, there is no denying the legalities of this issue must be addressed. In the meantime, the recording industry and lawmakers have pro-actively sought to adopt more pragmatic policies and legislation enabling them to compete with illegal file sharing. By pursuing partnerships with Digital Service Providers and utilizing digital media marketing strategies, the recording industry can create value and demand for their products; making illegal downloading less and less attractive. Background and Brief History Piracy, as it pertains to this subject, is defined as â€Å"the act of illegally reproducing or disseminating copyrighted material, such as computer programs, books, music, and films† (Hosch, n. . in Encyclopedia Britannica). Music piracy, or bootlegging, has been a problem for record companies for as long as the recording industry has been around. However, since the advent of personal computers and the rapidly expanding digital age, digital piracy has become a major problem for the music industry. By the late 1990’s, readily available computer software made it even easier to copy music in many formats and compress it into a digital file, or MP3 format, that is easily transferrable. Music could then be shared by simply uploading it to a file sharing site where anyone could download it for free. These sites became known as P2P sites (Napster, n. d. ). The Sound Recording Act passed by Congress in 1971, allowed for an array of reforms to copyright laws. The three biggest reforms were the lengthening of copyright terms, first in 1976, and then again in 1998. In 1984, Congress banned the rental of sound recordings around the time that cassette tapes were beginning to overtake vinyl albums as the primary from of music distribution. Congress also made it illegal to even attempt to circumvent these anti-piracy measures (Cummings, 2010, p. ). In 2001, as a reaction to changing technologies, the Supreme Court ruled against P2P sharing networks and criminalized sites that allowed its users to share and/or exchange digital audio files without the expressed consent of those who owned the copyrights. It seemed that this ruling was a reflection of a broader consensus. Sharing these files without compensating the copyright holders, as the Supreme Court saw it, was illegal. They also saw it as detrimental to the U. S. economy (Cummings, 2010, p. ). The most notorious of these file sharing sites was Napster. It is estimated that at its highest volume in 2001, there were 1. 5 million people sharing and downloading music for free using Napster’s P2P software (Napster, n. d. ). In 2001, the Recording Industry Association of America was successful in receiving a court ordered injunction against Napster, effectively shutting the site down. It seems, however, that it may have been too little too late. The seed had been planted. Other sites began filling the void left by Napster. The idea of file sharing had taken off The Economics of Piracy The word piracy usually brings to mind images of buried treasures, Caribbean islands, and Johnny Depp In recent years however, another form of piracy has increasingly become the bane of the music industry. It is known as on line, or digital piracy. In the late 1990’s, rapid advances in technology, access to information, and ever advancing software, began to re-shape the way music was listened to and consumed. On-line music piracy, in the form of file sharing, quickly became the most prevalent form of copyright infringement. The music industry’s inability to adapt to these rapid changes had cost them dearly. It is because of the digital piracy’s negative impact, that an immediate response to this problem is needed; the survival of the recording industry and its artists depend on it. The 1990’s were good for the music industry. It enjoyed continued growth throughout the decade. CD sales and shipments saw steady increases from $7. 5 billion in 1990, to $14. billion in 1999 (Goel, Miesing, Chandra, 2010, p. ). But, as the decade began to draw to a close, trouble was looming just on the horizon. The introduction of Napster in 1999 was a sign of things to come. It is no coincidence that shortly after the launch of Napster, sales quickly began to decline. By 2008, sales for the recording industry had dropped to $8. 5 billion (Goel, Miesing, Chandra, 2010, p. ). Initially, the entire entertainment industry seemed to be caught off guard by the file sharing phenomenon; but soon enough, a strategy for litigation had been developed. By 2001, the music and movie industries had joined forces and were successful in getting an injunction against Napster. Their strategy was simple, but effective. It was their position that, because their products consume so much of America’s disposable income and leisure time, it impacts a very valuable percentage of this country’s Gross Domestic Product The U. S. Department of Commerce statistics cited to make this claim showed that the entertainment industry actually accounts for 6% of the United States Gross Domestic Product was also able to show that the entertainment industry is one of a few that still enjoys a positive trade balance globally. These statistics, obviously, weighed heavily in the court’s deciding in their favor (Bender Wang, 2009). A study done for the International Social Science Review published in 2009 concluded that the RIAA’s argument did have statistical merit. In fairness, the study does acknowledge that file sharing could actually be a more efficient way for the recording industry to market their products. Doing so would allow customers to sample an artist’s work prior to purchasing it. But in its conclusion, the study estimated that for every 1% increase in file sharing, music sales decreased by . 6% (Bender Wang, 2009). That is almost a 1 to 1 ratio. To put it in monetary terms, the recording industry loses $6 million every time digital piracy increases by a percentage point. And while 1% may not seem like a lot, when dealing in billions of dollars, it adds up quickly. Grammy Winner Promotes the Virtues of File Sharing Surprisingly, some of the most vocal opposition to the theory that digital piracy hurts the music industry comes from the artists themselves. One of the first artists to come out in opposition to the theory was Janis Ian. In 2002, the Grammy winning singer, songwriter, author and poet, offered a different, and more personal perspective on file sharing. Her position is that file sharing does little to harm the multi-billion dollar global recording industry. In fact, as she sees it, file sharing actually benefits the artists by increasing demand for their music; at least that’s been her experience. According to Soundscan statistics there were 32,000 new releases in the U. S. by the major labels in 2001. This figure does not include the smaller independent labels that do not report sales to Soundscan. Conservatively, it is estimated that about 100,000 titles were released that year. To her, that seems like â€Å"an awful lot of releases for an industry that’s being destroyed† (Ian, 2002). Currently, Janis Ian’s website still averages about 75,000 hits per year even though her last charted hit on Billboard was in 1975. Pressures Of Industry On Education EssayHowever, the No Electronic Theft Law act of 1997 specifically addresses digital copyright infringement. In fact, the United States vs. LaMacchia case was one of the primary reasons the law was enacted. It would only be a matter of time before the merits of the law would be put to the test. It finally happened in 2006. At age 28, Jammie Thomas, a single mother of 2 from Brainerd, Minnesota found herself facing multiple lawsuits from several music industry organizations for allegedly using a file sharing service called Kazaa to illegally download music. The case achieved notoriety because, unlike others facing similar lawsuits, the now married Mrs. Thomas-Rassert, refused to settle her case out of court (Browning, 2012). And because of extensive media coverage, the case has essentially become the face of the recording industry’s war on piracy. After several court battles, rulings, reversals and appeals, her case still remains far from settled. In October 2007, a jury awarded the plaintiffs $222,000 in damages However, Chief U. S. District Judge Michael Davis concluded that he erred in his instructions to the jury, and awarded Mrs. Thomas-Russert a new trial. His position was that simply making a copyrighted work available to the public may not necessarily constitute distribution under the law However, the second trial ended with the jury finding in favor of the plaintiff again. This time the plaintiff was awarded $1. 92 million Judge Davis found that amount to be excessive, and reduced the damages amount to $54,000 The recording industry refused to settle for that amount and successfully argued for a third trail. So after a third trial in November 2010, the jury again sided with the plaintiff and awarded them a $1. 5 million judgment. This time, Mrs. Thomas-Russert’s attorneys appealed the decision; arguing that amount violated her rights of the due-process clause in the constitution. Judge Davis sided with the defendant, and reduced the amount awarded back down to $54,000. However, upon review, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed this decision and remanded the case back to Judge Davis, and ordered the original $222,000 amount reinstated in September 2012 (Browning, 2012). The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals decision clearly represents a broader consensus as well as upholds the merits of the No Electronic Theft Act. No matter the legal nuances, digital piracy is illegal and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Solution While issues with the legal definition of what constitute theft in the digital age continue to persist, one solution adopted by the recording industry has been to partner with Internet Service Providers and use a warning and throttling system. This method can identify and then issue a warning to the most egregious violators. If those progressive warnings are not heeded, the ISP will then begin to throttle the connection This method can also include ISPs blocking certain URLs, and shutting down the individual’s internet connection all together. From a public relations standpoint, this method of deterrence has gained a wider range of acceptance than the previous method of prosecution/litigation (Nakashima, 2008, n. p. ). Perhaps the most effective solution has been the recording industry’s willingness to market and create value for their products by finally embracing the very technology that once was being used against them. This is evident in the rise in popularity and profitability Digital Service Providers like iTunes and Amazon. Sites like these offer ever expanding catalogues of music for every taste imaginable. Between the two, there are over 40 million songs available download, most for . 99 cents per song, as well as entire albums for as little as $5. 00 (Google Music Has a Lot of Catching, 2011) (MP3 Music Download, n. . ). Purchased music can be downloaded and even streamed to almost any enabled device. Now, purchasing high quality sounding music online, legally, has become so convenient and cost effective that it rivals illegal file sharing sites. With that in mind, and to further illustrate the point, review the results of a 2009 study titled â€Å"Estimating the Willingness to Pay for Digital Music† conducted for Contemporary Economic Policy. The study concluded that simply reducing file sharing through legal means would not necessarily be enough to lead to an increase in revenue (Chiang Assane, 2009, p. 12 522). The consumer’s â€Å"Willingness To Pay† must also be considered. In other words, offering a convenient high quality product, at a low price, can sway one’s decision to purchase said product. This study took controlled samples of students from diverse social and economic backgrounds nationwide and surveyed them. Their study indicates that the rise in popularity and availability of fee based services such as iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify does have a positive influence on consumer’s WTP. By continuing to partner with digital/online music services, the recording industry can now offer a viable alternative to peer-to-peer file sharing (Chiang Assane, 2009, p. 512 522). The study determined that an individual’s willingness to pay is largely influenced by two things. One would be the level of disposable income. The second would be the perceived risk of getting caught. Obviously, the perceived level of one will undoubtedly influence the other. While the study doesn’t directly address the attitudes towards file sharing in the digital age, it does demonstrate that, government policy in conjunction with effective marketing, does have a positive influence. In its conclusion, the â€Å"Willingness To Pay† study determined that the two pronged approach does seem to be working. Increasing the perceived risk of music piracy, and the perceived value and convenience of legal music downloads, can reduce illegal downloading (Chiang Assane, 2009, p. 512 522). The study concedes that there will always be an underground market for illegal file sharing. But, by continuing to build on its momentum, the recording industry has begun to make up some ground (Chiang Assane, 2009, p. 512 522). To put this all in perspective, Jeff Beck, an Accounting Manager for Saddle Creek Records, offers insight into how the recording industry has had to adapt its business model in order to stay competitive in the digital age. Because of the popularity of Digital Service Providers like iTunes and Amazon, music is now available instantaneously (Beck, personal communication Saddle Creek Records, January 8th, 2013). Jeff summed up the new business â€Å"mantra† that record companies have begun to follow, â€Å"the proliferation of these services means we have dozens, if not hundreds of more revenue streams, albeit very small revenue streams in a lot of cases. The industry mantra is to put out as many buckets to collect as many pennies as possible. It eventually will add up. † In Conclusion The law is clear. Digital piracy is a criminal act. Not only is it a criminal act that must be prosecuted, there is also clear evidence that it is detrimental to a U. S. conomy that continues to struggle. Remember, the entertainment industry accounts for 6% of the United States Gross Domestic Product. Digital piracy adversely affects economic recovery. It also adversely affects one’s personal economy as well. Take a moment, and do some simple math. Spend . 99 cents for one song downloaded legally, or $750 for downloading the same song illegally. Which of these options makes more financial sense? With all the low cost music readily available for legal downloading and streaming, why risk breaking the law as well as breaking the bank? Bibliography: Bender, M.T. Wang, Y. (2009). The impact of piracy on music sales: A cross country analysis. International Science Review, 84(3/4), 157-170. Browning, D. (2012, September 12). Ruling revives music sharing case. Retrieved January 22, 2013, from http://www.startribune.com/local/169320686.html?refer=y Chiang, E., Assane, D. (2009). Estimating the willingness to pay for digital music. Contemporary Economic Policy, 27(4), 512-522. Retrieved January 22, 2013, from Academic Search Premiere database. Cole, T. (2012, April 21). Eulogy for a record store. 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