I ran across this topic when debating illegal downloading.
Are bootlegs just as bad? I searched the internet and found a really good post.
QUESTION: WHAT ARE BOOTLEGS?
ANSWER: A BOOTLEG IS AN UNOFFICIAL COPY OF A MUSICAL RECORDING OR LIVE SHOW, OR AN ORIGINAL BUT ILLEGAL RECORDING. SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS PIRATE. THEY ARE PUT OUT BY INDEPENDENT RECORD COMPANIES, WITHOUT THE BAND'S APPROVAL.
ARE BOOTLEGS ILLEGAL? CAN I GET IN TROUBLE?
Some are/were legal because they were made in countries that have, or had at the time, very fuzzy or loophole legislation (Italy and Japan spring to mind). It's usually illegal to export these to other countries, and to import and sell them.
Some websites say: You won't get prosecuted for ordering or downloading, or owning a bootleg. We do not offer legal advice on this matter.
The record companies (and the bands) realize there's no point in prosecuting people for this - not because trading networks are just too big - but because they often think of it as a form of free exposure and because most people interested in bootlegs have often already purchased all the "official" material released by the artist.
You definitely WILL get in trouble if you copy and sell original GNR material such as the Use Your Illusion I CD for example. NEVER, we repeat NEVER copy and/or sell original material from any band. This would be ILLEGAL without a doubt. This site cannot be held responsible for your actions.
Ok TNS, the question is, Is downloading bootlegs just as bad/illegal as studio albums?
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Much like downloading studio recordings, downloading bootlegs is completely legal. It is incorrect to say downloading music is illegal, when in reality downloading it is legal, it is the act of uploading/sharing it that is illegal.