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23 Sep 2005
The website for the WinMX file sharing service has been shut down, suggesting that the service, best known for enabling copyright infringements, has crumbled under legal pressure from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Cease and desist letters were sent out last week by the RIAA to seven file sharing services, but the organisation declined to specify which services were targeted.
The RIAA used a July ruling by the US Supreme Court stating that makers of services used for copyright infringements are liable for such violations.
Meanwhile press agency Reuters has suggested that another file sharing network, eDonkey, has been forced to close a New York office listed on its website.
According to another report, however, the firm moved out of the building last year.
Mark Mulligan, a research director at Jupiter Research, wrote on his blog that the closure of a few services will not stop file sharing.
"File sharing will get less mainstream in the long term, but it will always be there," he wrote.
"The challenge for the music industry is how to continue to push it to the margins and fill the void with legitimate services.
"If e-Donkey and WinMX do disappear it will be an important victory for the music industry, but it will just be one won battle in the long-term war."
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Do you agree?
THAT IS BULL!!!!
I've looked into copy right laws. Ok. if we buy a cd, upload those songs to our computer with the windows media player,etc then share those PURCHASED SONGS with others. THAT IS NOT ILLEGAL!!!!!!! WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT WINMX, KAZAA ETC USERS ARE DOING!!!!!!! the R.I.A.A are nothing more than another branch of those nimrods with the ACLU.......LETS ALL COME TOGETHER TO BRING BACK WINMX!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: showmedatigolebitties 09 Dec 2005
WinMX still won't connect???
I still can't get winMX to work... I downloaded the patch but it still won't connect.. what gives?
Posted by: johnny 11 Oct 2005
WinMX is back
Its been patched and new peer cache servers are operational, the update is available at http://www.winmxworld.com/ So you can continue to chat to your friends online et al.
Posted by: Seán 02 Oct 2005
end of a very happy little era
I have been attempting to access win mx for the last week or so and did not realise till i read this article today the 10/1/05 that it had been shut down.Win mx is still avaliable but you have to pay now with master card or visa,its not fun anymore "Goodbye win mx and thanks for my treasured music collection"
Posted by: daz 01 Oct 2005
GRRR its daz again
I forgot to mention in my last comments end of a happy little era that im from the uk and sympathise totaly with everyone on the issue of shutting win mx down.All the tunes i ever downloaded you cant even buy from music outlets so if a track is deleted who is it harming,some music money cant buy its just a memory that means such a lot to an individual and could even be 40 years or more,we are not criminals making money we just appreciate good music.Until we can share our files again freely a big thanks to everyone and myself for contributing to an electronic social concept.
Posted by: daz 01 Oct 2005
WinMX not dead
It's still running - just search Google and you'll find out how!
Posted by: Grogan 30 Sep 2005
Grrrr
i mean like what the hell....WinMX was perfectly fine...i luvd it. whats the big deal about people sharing our own songs?? this is a load of bullshit!!!
Posted by: Someone 28 Sep 2005
So what's next?
Does anyone know of any other good file sharing programs that are still open?
Posted by: Cass 28 Sep 2005
WinMX OK?
A few postings have mentioned that winmx is still running somwhere. I have'nt used minmx for 2 weeks now and have only just read the news. Perhaps the people who claim its still going could explain how we can access it please.
Posted by: Dr Peter O'Boogie 28 Sep 2005
retarded.
"best known for enabling copyright infringements" - editorial horseshit disguised as reporting. where's that indictment to EVERY email, FTP, or instant messaging program that exists? for that matter, let the **AA sue the internet en masse, as without ISPs, how would those dastardly file sharers do their devil's work?
Posted by: buster hymen 27 Sep 2005
selfish people
Everyone was getting on fine with winmx, when I used to download, there weren't many files available (that depends on what you search for though) and sometimes it took ages to download, but it was worth it in the end. I'd rather wait say 5 hours for a song to download rather than go all the way into town, waste petrol, waste more money on just one song, and come back, all for the benefit on one song, which could easily be downloaded for free! Also, the music industry gets a lot of money anyway; they could probably buy the whole world with the money they have, so why would they want any more? Some people may not want to spend a lot of money on buying a CD, whereas that money could go towards something more approving, such as charity or something. Even if someone wants to use Winmx for just one song, ONE LITTLE SONG, that won't hurt anyone? The music industry won't fail if one person failed to buy one of their CDs, I think it's all down to the selfishness of the music industries, and also for the pride of the authorities wanting to show off their power.
Posted by: Just a kid 27 Sep 2005
I agree with you guys
Hey I'm from the UK and I think you guys closing down winmx sucks. I agree with the other complainers about it too. Even though I didn't use it all the time, it was useful for downloading songs that you can't usually buy in the shops! And it was the only decent downloading site available. Grr I'm angry. Very much so...
Posted by: Rosie 27 Sep 2005
Not Fair
These singers make alot of money making there music, there are alot of people out there that can afford to buy music and there are some who can't like me. Why should the little person be denied the right to share music it has been going on for months now. I f it wasn't okay then why was it allowed? Your kinda putting the cart before the horse here!
Posted by: R. Carey 27 Sep 2005
absurd
this is just absurd. i didnt even use winmx to download music in the first place. also the majority of files ppl share dont even affect the riaa and if they want ppl to stop sharing music then give them a reason to go out and buy the cds, enhanced cds is the first thing that comes to mind that is a viable to reason to go out and purchase a cd in the first place to get things that you cant download as well as support the group that you like. i just think that the riaa should stop trying to stop file sharing and start looking into the reason people share in the first place such as prices and crappy music that isnt put out as a single if they would just focus on ways to indirectly stop file sharing then they would cure their problem and increase their profit margin
Posted by: DMU 27 Sep 2005
winmx shut down
i think its sick what the muisc industry is trying to do they make to much money as it is why cant we share are files if we want to who are they to say what we can do as its us that keeps the music industry going pop stars get so much money anyway its just something else they want to control
Posted by: mark 27 Sep 2005
Boycot:
I think it's about time that internet users stop buying music CD's all together in an effort to put the music industery back in thier place. I myself purchased music CD's regularly,but due to there attacks aginst file sharing companys have stopped doing ths.
Posted by: ted 26 Sep 2005
Same old song
The music industry tried this unsuccessfully in the 70's when cassette recorders came out, remember when FM radio played entire albums. The bootlegged copies only increased album sales. If I read the ruling correctly doesn?t this open Xerox and every scanner manufacturer to a law suite as they enable the copying and trading of copywrited materials????
Posted by: Jake 26 Sep 2005
its wrong
its Wrong why don't people think about putting prices of cd's down then maybe people would be able to afford to buy them!
Posted by: mary 26 Sep 2005
This is Stupid
If anyone is going to shutdown anything, start with spyware, viruses, trogans, online scams or before you shut down people from downloading music, work on a growing issue, like people downloading movies. But i have to say, if people want to share, let them share. All music on P2P networks starts with one person and a cd that they BOUGHT. If they want to spend 10-20 dollers and make millions happy by sharing it with them, why shouldn't they allow that.
Posted by: Tay 26 Sep 2005
Boycott NOW!
Everyone complaining here needs to put their MONEY where their mouth is. Go to www.boycott-riaa.com and join the fight! Only by NOT spending ANY money on any RIAA music will the big labels finally understand that THEY don't control the music business, we, the consumers do!!! BOYCOTT RIAA MUSIC NOW!!!
Posted by: Putting Money Where Your Mouth Is 26 Sep 2005
winmx
this make me very upset that i can no long share my music file... what's next?" IF THE FBI, DOCTORS, GOVERMENT, POLICE, IRS, AND ECT. ECT. ...CAN SHARE MY PERSONAL FILE...THEN I SHOULD ALSO GET PAID OR MAKE IT THE SAME FOR THEM TO.... NO SHARING!
Posted by: DAVID 26 Sep 2005
BULLS**T
by downloading songs we are not hurting anyone, if people do not want to go out and buy a whole CD just for one song, downloading is the way to go! BRING BACK WINMX!!!!! BRING BACK WINMX!!! BRING BACK WINMX!!!
Posted by: jennifer 26 Sep 2005
Listen UP!
I think this is crap! Why can't music lovers enjoy this system of sharing music with others, and just leave us alone!! I think the music industry needs to change in a big way.
Posted by: melanie million 26 Sep 2005
Disgust
This is total nonsense. The fat cat record industry continues to pump out garbage with one and two good songs per CD if your lucky. I will find and download free music from somewhere else and f the police.
Posted by: Dan Cody 26 Sep 2005
this sucks
I think if people want to share. Then we should let them. Its not really fair. The music industry already makes enough money. Not everyone can aford to buy music. Cds are between like 10 to 20 bucks. There is usually only ONE good song on a cd. Thats a waste of money! I think that those stupid singers need to let it go. So what if they cant buy that new rolls, or cant pimp out that Cadillac. They make so much bloody money! And the the surpreme court making win mx close. I mean like gees! why should they care. they are politicians! why should they care?? Im just soo freaking angry.
Posted by: sarah 26 Sep 2005
It's a loss for all users
The Riaa once again has succeeded in shutting down the freedom of speech and the freedom to share. At this point there is not enough good music out to entice me to buy an entire cd. What we are getting from the Riaa are mass produced Hip Hop crap artists where you may only get one half way decent song on an entire cd. Gone are the days when we could listen to an entire cd and enjoy song after song, now it's just fill for the artists that really have little talent. File sharing is a necessary option. Do not let the Riaa control what we listen to and when, for God's sake stand up for yourselves!
Posted by: rick 25 Sep 2005
Sharing
I think the government should worry about more important issues. File sharing is needed because the music industry refuses to deliver the music that consumers want in a timely manner, if at all! I worked at 2 music stores and I have seen 1st hand that the music that customers want is rarely if ever available when there is a demand. I resorted to telling my customers to use P2P services to find the songs they want. Even my stores main competition sells bootleg vinyl and cds because the demand is so high for the music that the record labels refuse to or delay release of. All this will do is cause more people to go and search out the material they crave. And as long as the record companies run the way they currently do, they will NEVER stop the transfer of wanted material to consumers.
Posted by: Gary Allen Lyles 25 Sep 2005
RIAA - Lost in a Sea of Ignorance
Now, we're back to the radio and sharing CD's among friends. I wonder what this strong arm approach will end up costing the recording industry when it's all said and done? And by the way, the recording artists that we are all so found of seem to be very destitute in their multiple huge homes, sports cars, lavish clothing, jewelry, etc. I wonder if promoting their music through P2P services has hurt their income or increased it. The real problem here just maybe the talentless parasites of the recording industry that have lived fatly for years from the success of the actual ARTIST who do possess a large level of talent but, many times are forced to sign their lives away to get this god given talent to market!
Posted by: Former Music Lover - Dallas, TX 25 Sep 2005
why did they do this
this was the best site on the net for old music even Karoakes they are getting to smart for their on good we need this site bsck hope it will come back on thanks.
Posted by: rail 25 Sep 2005
winmx
Now I wil NEVER will buy another CD from any publisher
Posted by: Bob Gorman 25 Sep 2005
WinMX Lives On!!
The RIAA can serve all the lawsuits they want, but as long as there's the internet, file sharing will continue. Winmx hasn't shut down but has evolved! I continue to use the service and clever people like myself have found out how. The RIAA may have won just one battle but will eventually lose the war, its just a matter of time and the RIAA knows its running out of options and is being desperate to save its existance.
Posted by: MrSensualEros On WinMx 25 Sep 2005
no money
some people dont have enough money to buy cd's so the only way they can get music on thier computer is by file sharing
Posted by: mego 25 Sep 2005
RIAA commands P2P to cease
I hate the RIAA with a passion, since its members keep rare clips unavailable (not commercially marketable), collude to keep prices high, and push to extend copyrights to milk even more money out of their intellectual property. A music CD can hold over 20 tracks, depending on their lengths, but "typical" CDs only have about 15 tracks. The iTunes model is just barely tenable, since a homemade 16-track CD would cost about $16, but would contain all the tunes you wanted and none of the ones you didn't want. The problem rises when you collect a lot of 3-minute oldies tracks and can fit 20+ to a CD, raising the price of a bargain-bin type CD ("Billboard Hits of 1965") to over $20 (not counting your effort to collect the tracks, arrange them, and burn the disk). In spite of the (barely) acceptable price of 99 cents for legal downloads (and there are problems there, too, because Apple tends to be proprietary, forcing the consumer to use Apple technology to access the music), RIAA is pushing Apple to raise the price of iTune tracks. http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2005/09/21/itunes_price_rise/ The link above cites a "Rolling Stones" article that breaks down the cost of a $15.99 CD (published during the RIAA collusion suit) "This breakdown of the cost of a typical major-label release by the independent market-research firm Almighty Institute of Music Retail shows where the money goes for a new album with a list price of $15.99. $0.17 Musicians' unions $0.80 Packaging/manufacturing $0.82 Publishing royalties $0.80 Retail profit $0.90 Distribution $1.60 Artists' royalties $1.70 Label profit $2.40 Marketing/promotion $2.91 Label overhead $3.89 Retail overhead" Although RIAA poses this as a case of the public ripping off the artist, you'll note that the artist only gets 10% of the CD cost, while the industry and retail profits are 15%. That's not counting the cushy industry salaries hidden in the 20% "label overhead" item, and it's not clear who receives the "publishing royalties." Furthermore, if you look at digital distribution, the label's overhead and "packaging/manufacturing" costs should go down. And the iTunes article makes it clear that Apple is only making 10% off the 99 cent price of each tune sold, but the breakdown above shows retail (overhead and profit) previously took 30% of the cost of a CD. If we posit a 16-track CD at about $16 (to roughly match the iTunes price, although many CDs fall in the 12-14 track range), then the retail cost for an iTunes "CD" would be 10% of the total price. Since retail in the brick & mortar distribution world would have taken 30%, that leaves at least an additional 20% profit for the labels (i.e. RIAA), but they're still pushing for higher prices!? No wonder P2P file sharing looks so attractive to its users. If RIAA would embrace the digital model and price tracks at 50 cents, they would strike a much harder blow at the P2P/piracy world than all the money they waste on high-priced lawyers sending cease-and-desist letters to P2P servers such as WINMX. Their profits would go up (more volume, less lost to piracy, lower legal fees, marginal tracks now profitable) and everyone would be happy. Since they have not passed along their lower costs to the consumer (and, in fact, are pushing to raise the price), and persist in pursuing P2P, it follows that they are protecting their increasing profits, NOT the artist's interests. Finally, the initial article I cited makes it clear that RIAA's legal efforts to smash P2P servers only drives P2P offshore where it is harder to enforce US copyright laws. If RIAA presses hard to prosecute individual downloaders, it risks alienating its base of customers (will it also go after libraries which make CDs available for illegal duping?). King Canute comes to mind...
Posted by: Jerome P. Elisha 24 Sep 2005
Bring WinfMX back
If not the music what happened to the other file sharing, such as the videos. If you don't want us to share your music keep it off the air ways. As far as I knew the air ways were free.
Posted by: Oldman 24 Sep 2005
WinMx Lives!
The great community known as WinMX has beaten the RIAA at it's own game..... Due to help and research of the Users of the Network, a software patch has been created that will and IS allowing the Network continue operating even though WinMX had shutdown it's Cache Servers to prevent liablity on their part due to some users trades of copyrighted materials. Bend over RIAA!
Posted by: G.O.D. 24 Sep 2005
crying dill-weeds
winmx wasnt just for music. A lot of the files were many other media sources, i think the music industry has gone to far with this attack.
Posted by: fsdf 24 Sep 2005
winMX shut down is crap
RIAA wants me to support current artists! My collection, consists of an old cylinder from 1879 through to a 1928 wax recording. So just whose copyright did I enfringe on? I do not have any Harry Lauder. I used winMX to fill in my collection. I do not live in the USA. These draconian laws remind me of Germany under Hitler. I guess when I think of RIAA and the punitive judicial system of the US, the only thing that comes to mind is being forced to greet others with the term Sieg Heil!
Posted by: Arie van der Lee 24 Sep 2005
P2P site closes as legal pressure mounts
Greed greed greed, billions upon billions upon billions are shared amongst fairly few artists and already multi millionaire media companies, who together trick governments into exasperating its people by abusing Law to their own accumilative ends. Does an artist worth 10 million really need another million? Is it money or music, is it fame or just wealth? If i buy (over priced)a cd and dvd THEY ARE MINE, if i want to share them with others i break the law? I hope that another network will arise such as old skool Napster or Winmx. Question; Why dont they pursue market traders that burn films and albums and sell them on for half price to then give the money to criminal organisations, and instead pursue non profit making networks like Winmx that take from the bloated and give to those without?
Posted by: Another exasperated peasent 24 Sep 2005
Boycott!
It sounds like the time has come for those of us who use P2P services for legal purposes to boycott all RIAA marketed products. DONT BUY CD's from the store any more. Many artists use P2P services to distribute their work, legitimately. What about them? They too are under attack by the RIAA for seeking less expensive was to distribute their works.
Posted by: T.S. 23 Sep 2005