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WinMX Shuts Down After RIAA Threat

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

September 22, 2005, 12:19 PM

UPDATED The RIAA's latest attempt at curbing illegal peer-to-peer downloads appears to be working. On September 15, the group sent out cease and desist letters to seven undisclosed P2P networks. As of Thursday, it had appeared that at least two of them have now closed their doors.

According to reports, WinMX has ceased operations, and its Web site, winmx.com, has gone offline. The offices of another file sharing service, eDonkey, were reported closed by Reuters, although its Web site remained online Thursday and sources say the company known as MetaMachine simply moved locations.

The same letters were also sent to other P2P operators such as BearShare and Limewire, however both networks appeared to be operational Thursday morning.

The RIAA said at the time of the cease and desist letters that after the Grokster ruling companies had "ample opportunity to do the right thing," and continued to operate "at their own risk."

Since modern P2P networks often have no central location, it is near impossible to completely them shut down. But in some P2P structures, by removing a node that assists in indexing what is on the network, usually called a "supernode," download capabilities can be severely crippled.

Industry insiders expect additional networks to shut their doors to shield themselves from legal action. Others may opt to attempt to go legal, as Grokster is apparently doing.

On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Mashboxx was in talks with the embattled P2P network over a possible purchase, a move that could be seen as an attempt to keep the service alive.

Mashboxx CEO Wayne Rosso declined to confirm to BetaNews whether or not talks with Grokster had indeed taken place. "But we at Mashboxx are very happy to private label our application to any company that meets our criteria," Rosso acknowledged.

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By Darren O

edited Aug 15, 2006 - 7:00 AM

Please could you bring to light the copyright laws that have recently started legal threats to websites that offer online guitar tablature notation for budding musicians. As these are usually educational interpretations by other users of these sites for people wishing to learn music, then I can't see how this is an infringement of copyright unless you're lucky enough to land yourself a profitable record deal or something. Strumming a perfectly sounding 'C' chord in my home is not breaking the law. I'm sure many proffesional musicians don't favour people ripping, burning and selling there CD's before release date - this I'm sure anybody can understand. However, I'm sure the Pro's would be quite flattered that other people just want to play there music as a pleasurable hobby.

Score: 0

By shadowchaser

edited Apr 21, 2006 - 11:14 PM

Go www.winmxgroup.com/ All that you need is there.

Score: 0

By FallingStar

edited Dec 26, 2005 - 10:51 AM

The WinMX community is back, the files are back, and the users are taking a stand. Get connected Today.

It is time for the RIAA to understand that they cannot destroy filesharing by intimidation any longer. They may be able to bully Corporations, but the users are not going to sit by and let it happen.

MXPIE is an effort by the users and for the users, with an agenda of making WinMX a p2p network not only for the users, but maintained, organized and perpetuated by the people.

Come Join us, we believe that we can make a difference in this fight to take away our rights. We welcome all of those who are tired of going from one p2p network to another simply because the RIAA flexed its billions of dollars worth of muscles.

MXPIE is quick, easy and free to use, it contains no spyware, adware or any other form of malware. We even provide a manual modification that allows you to see exactly what is being done that only takes minutes to do yourself.

Another site worth note is Computer Problem Help Forum, this site has also been at the forefront of this movement, and can help you with any general computer problem that may or may not be related to WinMX.

Check out the MXPIE Website for everything you need.

I hope to see you on WinMX soon! Realtime help is available for WinMX 3.53 users. Go to WinMX Channels.

Score: 0

By cyclonejohn

edited Nov 30, 2005 - 1:56 AM

The shut own of WinMX is stupid. I agree that they should have waited for a court decision. There was not this kind of chaos when you could start recording on 8-track or cassette, there is no difference now, by doing the same thing that happened 35 years ago. I don't think it is the artist(s) so much as it is the record companies. I think in the end it will end up just like when movies came out on VHS. It actually helped the industry. These crying recording companies need to look at history. I will just record my music of the radio just like I did in 1973. The artists and record companies can KISS MY WORKING CLASS ASS!!!!!!!!!!!

Score: 0

By CosmicMonkey

posted Nov 8, 2005 - 3:32 PM

If anyones interested in finding p2p server check out Kazaa. It has a pay for download section or a free version (Kazaa Lite) with adverts. The advertisements pop up now and again but dont really affect downloading. I have tried it myself and it is ok, though i have found that it doesnt have the range of files as Winmx did (not bad though)but it downloads faster. Not just music but video etc as well. Some still come up as pay to download but there are still lots to satisfy all tastes!

Score: 0

By cyclonejohn

posted Nov 30, 2005 - 2:10 AM

Kazaa will fill your machine with junk.Be carefull.

Score: 0

By Concerned1

edited Nov 2, 2005 - 2:06 PM

I have read thru this thread and have to say, its sad. The REAL problem is the copyright laws. They are out of date. The digital copyright law was designed for businesses to defraud the general public. At this moment, you can go in any store and buy software, read the system requirements, find your system meets all requirements. You take it home and install...it don't work. You spend days trying to make it work with the help of tech support. Finally, you give up and take it back to where you bought it to find, NO REFUNDS. They will let you exchange for the exact title...fat lot of good that is if it don't work! Ya see, there is this little disclaimer that they put in there stating the product is NOT free of bugs or defects. Then with the copyright laws in thier favor, they are not required to give you a refund since you have had "access" to the media. Because according to them now that you have had access, you could have copied it and copyright laws forbid them from returning your money. In my eyes, this means I can put whatever I want on a cd, copyright it, sell it, and when people come for refunds cause it dont work, I can hide behind digital copyright laws too. As far as music goes, Whenever I do anything, I only get paid for doing it once. Why should an artist be paid hundreds of thousands of times for a song they sang, when as a lot have stated, you can hear free over airwaves? Copy from internet radio if ya want it on puter. Plenty of programs that let you record what you hear. Ok so its a little more time consuming, you won't end up with a bogus file or a lawsuit since the only way for them to know you are copying is remote access to your computer (which at this time hopefully, is still illegal)

Score: 0

By redneckwoman545

edited Nov 1, 2005 - 4:58 PM

When Winmx and Meta Machine closed down, I knew nothing of this and have since tried to download without results. I paid my subscription and have not used my full year yet, how can I get ahold of them??? Does anyone have any ideas?

Score: 0

By LadyrNM

edited Oct 31, 2005 - 10:30 PM

>> >> NEONAPSTER COMES WITH TROJAN VIRUSES IT IS NOT A REAL P2P PROGRAM

Score: 0

By m2m

edited Oct 26, 2005 - 8:54 PM

i am an ex win mx member beware of the firm claiming to be winmx its a con you give your credit card details and get nothing it is the same outfit that you are featuring on your site

Score: 0

By Bobby B*tch

posted Oct 26, 2005 - 10:51 AM

I'd just like to point out here too that over the last 4 years most of the people who I've found that use "communist" as a word to insult people are extreme right-wing fanatics, frequently Neo-Nazis or White Power types. Some of them are also Bible-crazy. And then there are the ones who can't even sh*t without a reference to their *HEROIC* dad or granddad in a war with "the commies" coming out their a*ses...*lol* Look, just because Pol Pot was a c*nt, North Korea sucks, Vietnam was sad, the KGB was insane, Kruschev was a bully and all those so-called "communist" countries in South America and elsewhere were and are hell-holes doesn't mean you have to turn "communist" into an insult to fling at people who like to share art... ^_^
I don't think I need to come back here any time soon because I know nobody can supply a counter-argument to what I've said that's going to be superior to it... ^_^ It will be, at best, a lot of fancy rhetorical twaddle which will sound like a convincing opinion to the simple, and at worst it will consist of quoting me and then attempting to "intelligently" dissect what I say in such a manner as to imply that my personality is an open book.
Hahahahahahaha......

Score: 0

By

edited Apr 28, 2006 - 10:26 PM

I invoke Godwin's law, you pathetic loser. This was an article about WinMX and you came out of nowhere and started raving about communists and faschits. You then proceed to be a general flame-troll and have stained this page with your crap. So, we hjave nothing to say to your stupid rant? I have a few...
1)- Get a ****ing life
2)- Read the headline before commenting on it
3)- You are NOT, hear me? NOT!!! an aryan superman, you are not bulletproof. Wake up.
4)- Sorry to everyone else out there who reads this. I was meaning only to irk this loon.

Double no fist

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 26, 2005 - 12:41 PM

Actually i'm just going to laugh at you....

ROFLMFAO!

Score: 0

By TheBeastH6

posted Oct 26, 2005 - 10:46 AM

Buy it if you want to help its owner.

Score: 0

By Bobby B*tch

edited Oct 26, 2005 - 9:44 AM

Funny -- last time I downloaded any music I liked it so much I went and bought cd's by the artist.... Ok so consider this: when they play music videos on tv, you're getting a sort of free preview, right? Same with radio. Only difference is, that someone ELSE picks what plays. Still, you don't have to pay to listen to it. On the other hand, you pay to buy a cd or somesuch in a shop, because you know, it's all pretty and shiny and round and it's your fave sounds encoded in a bit of plastic with a cover and some liner notes or lyrics and other crap for "fans".
HOWEVER, when you download mp3s, you're PICKING what you want to listen to, right?? But at the same time, the odds that an mp3 will be of bad quality are much higher than the odds of a cd, or even a new/clean vinyl record, sounding bad. In fact it's quite easy to download an mp3 that is a bit defective, be it with the occasional "pop" or "click", or simply dullness of sound. But still, it's a good way to preview music..... So I think it should be LEGAL, because it helps them sell more rare stuff that wouldn't get noticed even if it hurts the sales of their megastars a little on account of the musical taste of 12 - 15 year old girls... ^_^ I mean the way the music industry wants it is to only support their megastars by the looks of it, rather than invest money in the lesser-known bands that also exhibit popularity.... And also it should be FREE because the guarantee the mp3 you get won't have defects isn't high enough to warrant paying for it, and also because it's only bytes of information and not an actual physical object, you can't trust technology not to **** up in such a way as to erase your computer of it, thanks to malicious code, a virus, whatever. So then you've paid for nothing. I think that's morally-objectionable. But then the whole RIAA is like that. It's an American thing, you know. To be "morally-objectionable", that is... ^_^ *LOL* Don't worry I'm not bagging Americans! I just mean the whole culture and laws and stuff. But any feeling I get of "Thank God I live in Australia" is negated by the fact that America's lousy music-sharing laws apply to us too, because naturally the Australian government feels the need to stand behind the US on 99% of it's decisions with the devotion and loyalty of one who knows he's going to end up on the receiving end of sodomy and actually likes the idea. Not to mention that the amount of power allocated to these people is proof that capitalism isn't about being able to compete and rise to the top in a fair way, but rather a licence to crap on people who aren't born with a silver spoon in their mouths or who don't grow up in a trendy suburb.

Score: 0

By crazynutfalling

edited Oct 26, 2005 - 11:22 AM

First of all, why was WINMX shut down? Why not wait until the courts render a decision? Did anyone consider, before the threats where made to penalize Winmx, that there is a possibility that the courts might not find any wrong doing , or anything illegal? In the meantime, I will not receive anything in return from a service that I have already paid for. I think I should receive some compensation for the inconvenience that has been created to my lifestyle. It does not make sense that a business is shut down by the sole use of force and power by the strength of our government without having any remorse to the customers. Winmx is a legit moneymaking business, and America is built with many solid business foundations. Why has that right been taken away from Winmx? The person who is behind all of this has a problem with competition is my guess. Create your own strategic ideas that will help your company grow, and quit trying to take away from Winmx what they have already created and has become valuable to the market place. As long as Winmx is shut down, it is not fair to make accusation that they are stealing, when in fact it is the company who is behind all of this who is the actual thief.
Again, what if the courts find no foul play? Why should I be inconvenienced temporarily when I already purchased the service. I too am being punished by the RIAA because of their lack to compete and selfishness to steal what Winmx has built from the ground up, which is still growing. How can a decision be made that practically is insinuating that my money suddenly isn't important so it is fine with them to discontinue my service. A company that did not even know me had the power to discontinue a service that was granted to me, without first contacting me, a service that they did not pay for, but with my money they were able to become the main decision-maker to my account. I should have the right to keep and/or discontinue my service that I paid for at a time when i decide to do so. It is absurd that a company who never heard of me, nor have I ever heard of them was able to do as they pleased without respect to me or others who also paid for the same service. What kind of company has the power to discontinue my personal account, and make decision for me without contacting me first, especially when this company is unknown? What kind of company has that kind of power? A monopoly perhaps? So the question remains, Is it legal or is it illegal? We won't know until the courts have a ruling. So that leads me to my next question, where in "innocent until proven guilty" do you see a court ruling? I guess Winmx is not guilty then, right? So why is Winmx shut down? Who has that kind of power to judge a company and say it is guilt before the court order? Until there is proof that Winmx was operating illegally, keep the service in operation for those of us who have already paid and deserve the service. Besides, if I purchase a CD, I can share that music with anybody I chose to. If sharing is the issue here, then you better try to shut down the CD playing companies like Sony, Pioneer and others for installing the so called "record" button on their CD players. Do you realize that I can record hundreds of CD's on my Sony record able CD player, and guess what I won't collect a dime. I will give them away for free. That is generosity at its best. Is generosity a crime? Of course not, and Winmx has built an envious concept for convenience when sharing and recording music for its customers. I can utilize the Internet to manage my time better and be more efficient when I lend or borrow music with my friends and family. Why not it belongs to me to do with as I please. If I purchased a CD only to dump it in the toilet, well then that is the beauty of a Democracy. I can do it. Get Winmx operating again and waive all the threats and penalties. If and when the courts make the right decision, I will respect that decision, but until then, cooperate with me, Winmx and all who have become and who have remained valuable customers to the music industry, who keep it strong, and growing.

Score: 0

By karlallen21

posted Oct 26, 2005 - 7:35 AM

has any one got the alternative to win mx and if so can they post it on here so we can all start using it
thanks

Score: 0

By PaddyTheRed

edited Oct 24, 2005 - 3:23 PM

Having just recently spoken to 3 people well within WinMx, panic and grief for not much longer. I cannot say too much, but (and with these people's consent) I can assure you all that WinMx is not dead.. It is just hibernating to gain more strength. It will be back in the not too distant future. Kriss Bell, Manchester - England.

Score: 0

By _Primo_

edited Oct 24, 2005 - 8:32 AM

I haven't researched this, just happened across this string thought this might be a good place to get an answer. If I own the music on vinyl, then does that give me the freedom to download the songs that I have already purchased?

Score: 0

By PaddyTheRed

posted Oct 24, 2005 - 3:33 PM

Regarding Primo's comment as to whether he has a right to share and upload/download music he has already paid for, no he does not. However, it shouldnt be too long before this law is scrapped and sites such as WinMx and eDonkey, are back in full force. The actual law is long winded, but anyone in the know, understands the basics. It will soon be legal to download and share files worldwide. Just another 2 years or so. Kriss Bell - Manchester, England.

Score: 0

By ken4music

edited Oct 23, 2005 - 9:33 PM

I believe that it is unlawful to deny anyone the right to access information(music, etc.) when it is not available through retail/commercial outlets. Ispecifically mean that once music publishers stop producing CD's, tapes, etc. and supplies of same are no longer available retail, people should have the right to download, etc. those recordings that are no longer available to them. If this is not allowed, then the vast history of music will gradually disapear forever.
If sharing music files is not allowed to continue, it will be a great tragedy for society and the right to enjoy the fine old music that has been created.
I sincerely feel that we the public are being denied our rights to access music that is no longer available to us through retail outlets.
PLEASE REPLY

Score: 0

By xarden

edited Apr 23, 2006 - 7:38 AM

Ok. So what RIAA is saying is that I can no longer record my own band, and let others download it? I mean... its getting us out on the biggest global market there is, because not everyone lives here in New Zealand. I want people to listen to us, so they might say, "Hey these guys sound great! I might go spend $5 and buy their EP! Or if they come to my town, I'l go to their concert!" Its advertising us. I want to put my music out there. And I want to be known. And I dont want some pencil pushing tight arse saying I cant. So RIAA, sit at the other end of the table and know some artists want their music to be shared.

Score: 0

By dreamshaker

edited Oct 23, 2005 - 9:07 PM

Wow...Thanks for your suggestion Arakiel!! I would just like to inform you that I have read the thread. Also that I am allowed to "state my own opinion" into this. I am not here to flame anybody, nor am I here to frustrate you.
I must say that you do seem like a very intelligent person, who strongly sticks by your beliefs...which is excellent.
I agree with both sides of the arguement, what I don't agree with is your name calling and belittling of us people who have grabbed at the opportunity to take what was made available to us.
My comment was intended to make a clear and valid point, which my friend is....while you are attacking us "common crim's", you are committing a crime yourself, which is called defamation/slander. I am not putting you down for this, I am just merely pointing that out to you.
From your reply I can see that I have made this a very clear and valid point.
So instead of researching the copyright law so you can insult us "common crim's"....maybe I could suggest that you read the defamation law and get your own crime under control first!!

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 24, 2005 - 9:43 AM

You first...it's just my opinion that most of the people coming here are retarded monkeys with no sense of honor, decency or guts. Perhaps you should refresh yourself with the defamation laws as well.

based upon your previous comments, if you read the thread you apprently missed alot. Try again.

Score: 0

By sarah1966

edited Oct 25, 2005 - 9:21 AM

I've read your comments on here and I think you are the most rudest individual I've ever come accross, you have no right to call people retards or any other names for that matter. People come on here to share their opinions and whether you like their opinions or not you have no right to call them names. You do not know them and with comments like yours you never will! whether downloading music is illegal or not everybody has a right to their opinion as long as they are not calling anyone names!

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 25, 2005 - 3:26 PM

Congratulation on not actually reading the thread. If you had actually BOTHERED to read you would have noticed that the people on here not only started attacking me for defending the rights of the RIAA but also like to come up with all sorts of ignorant excuses to justify theft. The posts I have attacked are NOT opinions they are the blatent spread of misinformation, sometimes violently, often ignorantly. The "I'm poor and should get what I want for free" justifications are not opinions, they are ignorance and self absobtion.

But **** it, why bother to actually read the entire thread, it's much more fun to jump on the "flame the guy defending copyright holders" bandwagon isn't it?

In short...**** you.

Score: 0

By catatonic

edited Oct 25, 2005 - 3:54 PM

Have you ever checked out a book from the public library? CASE CLOSED

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 28, 2005 - 11:24 PM

To which you give it back later...do you delete your downloaded music? Didn't think so. Here's your sign ****tard.

Score: 0

By dreamshaker

edited Oct 24, 2005 - 10:24 PM

Well I am quiet surprised that you haven't actually made an abusive personal attack on me yet. Thank you for that!!
Ok Arakiel...this is now slipping off topic. Like I have previously stated...I agree with both sides of the arguement here. Yes you are entitled to "your own opinion" just as much as everybody else....retarded monkey-slander, ****ing retard- slander, ****tard- slander, moron-slander, worthless scumbag thief-slander, idiot-slander, liar-slander, stupid-slander just to name a few.
I do admire your intelligence and strong beliefs, with these kind of responses your intelligence will be attacked and questioned, for the fact you are dealing with angry and upset people, who are looking for some sort of support or comfort. You are belittling them on their "opinions" to this topic.
It comes across like you are trying to win this arguement....which my friend you are fighting a losing battle, because people are going to do this one way or another.
slander: Oral communication of false statements
injurious to a persons reputation

A false and malicious statement or
report about someone.

defamation: Communincation to 3rd parties of
false statements about a person
that injure the reputation or
deter others from associating with

AN ABUSIVE ATTACK ON SOMEONES
GOOD CHARACTER
try again!!!

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 25, 2005 - 3:19 PM

First of all, no one here HAS good character, they all want to justify stealing property. Secondly a websters definition does not a law make.

Score: 0

By dreamshaker

posted Oct 25, 2005 - 9:39 PM

First of all, I don't believe that I said at anytime that a dictionary makes the laws regarding defamation/slander. I gave you the definition just like you did on theft earlier in the thread. By you saying that now, I hope you don't think that the dictionary makes the laws on theft.
So you have implied that you would never take "steal" something that you haven't paid for or have any rights to....well my friend by you belittling these people's characters you are taking "stealing" their dignity as individuals. So where would that leave you??
Us "common crim's" take "steal" a bit of music off the net..ok that is a crime. But you my friend have breached the defamation law and continued taking "stealing" these peoples dignity and good character. Two crimes against our one.....what a contradiction!!! You sound like you are now the one grasping at straws for your own crimes.
Yes it is "your opinion" what you think about these people, but once you voice it in an abusive, belittling attack, it becomes defamation/slander.
How do you know that these people aren't good characters? How do you know they aren't hard working citizens? How do you know that you haven't caused damage to these peoples characters with your hurtful, unnecessary statements of belittling them? Is it all worth it for a bit of "stolen" music?

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 25, 2005 - 10:43 PM

"By you saying that now, I hope you don't think that the dictionary makes the laws on theft."

touche

However, for starters this board is totally anonymouse, unless you really believe my name is Arakiel, no email is tracked and therefore no persons character is harmed because no one knows who "x" is...I could be the guy sitting next to you at work. Secondly This is a public forum, where I myself have been attacked on NUMEROUS occasions and even threatened with physical harm. All because I want to protect the rights of the copyright holders. Shame on me. Additionally I would like to point out that slander doesnt apply..slander is spoken, not written. Lastly, if you come to the forum claiming that you steal music and then get called a thief, you have no basis for defamation since you've already admitted to it. How STRONGLY that is expressed is immaterial.

"continued taking "stealing" these peoples dignity and good character"
Thieves dont have dignity and good character, if they did they wouldnt be thieves.

Score: 0

By Lily

edited Oct 23, 2005 - 8:33 PM

I guess I get confused about the double standard:

Music is art. There are visual art museums where people go to view paintings, photos, etc... - yes, sometimes you pay an entry fee. But the artists (some dead) don't get paid per person viewing....is this "stealing" that person's art? Don't artists want people to see/hear their art just for arts sake? I know they need to earn a living, but can't they produce a piece of art/perform a musical piece, sell that piece to someone for a flat rate and get their money that way? Can't they have concerts to make money?

The same goes for literature. We have public libraries that SHARE books at no cost whatsoever. Are we stealing from these authors? And if you follow this line of logic, what about libraries that have music libraries where you can go and listen to music for free? Is this "stealing?" If it is, why isn't the record industry going after public libraries? Or have they already?

What about poor people who would otherwise never get to hear the music they want to hear...not just the crap the record industry shoves down our throats over and over on the radio? Isn't this why libraries AND art museums were created? To share literature/music/video with those who otherwise would not be able to have access to art and literature? In the future, will only the rich be able to enjoy music? I don't know about you, but $20 is a lot to pay for a CD when you bring in 15K a year....

Is there no end to the record industry's greed? And it's not just the record industry...this also the major artists....Madonna's last CD resulted in her personally creating dummy files that looked like tracks off her new CD, to be distributed to the fileshare websites, saying "What the f*ck do you think you're doing?" when opened. I was a Madonna fan until she did that. That really opened my eyes to the fact that she is a greedy dolt.

A true artist creates art for the sake of art...not to wh*** it out for every last penny to be had.

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 24, 2005 - 9:58 AM

The problem is the ownership Lily, the library retains ownership of the book/cd, your just borrowing it...during which time the library and other patrons do not have access to it. When you share a file on P2P, the person sharing is not giving up any such rights if they even had them to begin with. You aren't "borrowing" from a P2P you are "taking and keeping". Some find this to be a subtle difference but it really isn't. If you were to download off a P2P and then delete it within a short amount of time, you might have an argument for it. Otherwise what you are comparing is apples and oranges.

Also, I'd like to point out that being poor does not entitle you to anything. Most especially entertainmet. I'm sorry if you can't afford all the CDs you've ever wanted, but that doesn't give you the right to steal them.

As for who you think should get the money and how much they are entitled to get, your walking a very fine line here. It's not up to you or anyone else to say that so and so makes enough money so that's it, they are shut off. THe copyright holder is the owner of that song and is entitled to the profits whether you like it or not.

"A true artist creates art for the sake of art...not to wh*** it out for every last penny to be had."
Artists who don't sell their artwork starve.

Score: 0

By lukalock

edited Oct 24, 2005 - 6:41 AM

perfectly said Lily. if only more people realized the condtradiction here. we can shop online, even go to WalMart online - but we can't visit Libraries online - listen to some music, browse some files? its ridiculous...as if these people don't have enough money already...why can't they just leave it be.

Score: 0

By donk40

edited Oct 23, 2005 - 4:10 PM

I used to buy CDs. Then RIAA went after Napster and MP3.com. I quit buying CDs after that. I was using Napster to check out groups and then buy the CD if I liked the group. I again had the opportunity to try out groups with WinMX but now that's gone.

Performers don't make money from CD sales. The record companies (RIAA) do. Performers make money from concerts. Don't believe the RIAA when they tell you that you are cheating the performer when you download a song. If you want to support an artist, go to their concert. DON'T by a CD. Record them off the radio if you want.

What business is it for the RIAA to stop sharing programs and text files? If I want to post a text file on WinMX, why should a record company care? Remember, WinMX can share a lot more than just music.

Score: 0

By badass666

edited Oct 23, 2005 - 3:51 PM

look at the top it says please be patient i dont know want that means.
does it mean to wait the sever is down. or there is something wrong with my computer because i already have the patch

Score: 0

By wildcosy

posted Oct 23, 2005 - 8:29 AM

i think it is wrong if the goverment took the tax of the cds people would buy them again but as they dont we find other ways of getting the music we want if anyone has got any free sites pls email me then on cosysplace@hotmail.com

Score: 0

By owsley

posted Oct 22, 2005 - 10:34 PM

I got that procedure from Slyck.com. I found I didn't even have to change to a Primary connection.

Score: 0

By owsley

posted Oct 22, 2005 - 10:33 PM

This is the procedure to configure your pc to connect with WinMx:

1) Download a new host file from this URL: http://www.p2pzone.net/download/goodies/hosts.zip

2) After downloading the "hosts" file (is a windows file included in the system) we can proceed.

3) Now paste the new file "hosts" in the Windows directory respective to its version:

For Windows 95/98/Me the directory is c:\windows\hosts

For Windows NT/2000/XP Pro the directory is c:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

For Windows XP Home the directory is c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

Now we can replace the "hosts" file.

4) For Win2k & XP users, sometimes may be necessary use the command "ipconfig /flushdns" from the command prompt.

5) Now, open WinMx and try to connect with primary connection!

Score: 0

By wildcosy

posted Oct 23, 2005 - 8:31 AM

hi i cant get this host thing to work cant u explain a little more how to do it as im not shore about it

Score: 0

By owsley

edited Oct 22, 2005 - 10:31 PM

I don't care what anybody says, downloading or sharing MP3's can't be, or shouldn't be if it really is, illegal. An MP3 is a seriously degraded representation of the original audio of a CD. It's no different than making and sharing tapes, which is definitely legal. The RIAA are just pissed that it's so easy to share MP3's and on such a mass scale.

But personally, I think anything less than the audio quality of the original CD is nearly worthless. Especially since the advent of the SuperAudio CD. Now I won't even buy standard CD's for anything more than a buck. If any of you haven't checked out SuperAudio CD (SACD), do it soon. SACD's generally cost no more than a standard CD and have the full sonic quality of vinyl audio... without the crackle. Check out Amazon or Buy.com and just search with the keyword SACD.

Score: 0

By Rainbow44

edited Oct 22, 2005 - 2:23 PM

To ALL and especially Giebult

The link provided by Giebult is a phony and should be avoided. I just hope there was no virus attached to that link. I truly liked WinMx and would have been interested in joining, free or fee, a group connected with the origianl WinMx. When people are sincerely asking for help and info I do not think it is very nice to deliberately mislead them.

Score: 0

By CosmicMonkey

posted Oct 21, 2005 - 3:39 PM

Well after reading all of this thread ive just got to add my own views. I work as a session musician in the UK and as such have got to know many artists in bands, orchestras and solo artists (NOT any on the scale of U2 etc) and i can say that their views are somewhat different to what people may think.
Many of these bands have wised up to the music file sharing servers and have come to rely on them for in part for free global advertisement. The fact that many individuals download music (which does breach copyright law in the eyes of the law)without paying does seem to suggest that the artists are losing money hand over fist and will suffer because of it is not exactly the truth. From what ive experienced there are just as many people who download music and buy an original copy if they like the album or band than those who just download and copy to disc. In fact the only section of the music industry that i have seen suffer is the CD single and that is due in part to:

A)The rise of fabricated bands such as those created on reality shows like pop idol who all sound the same and who prevent talented musicians from getting contracts
B)The somewhat innane law that prevents artists from putting more than 3 tracks onto a CD single, which makes it a very expensive purchase indeed. This also goes against the wishes of the majority of artists themselves who used to use CD singles as a platform to advertise new albums or unreleased tracks.(this applies to the UK and im not sure of any other countries laws regarding this)

The sale of albums has always fluctuated but the profits of the big record companies do nearly always rise annually which suggests that there is little impact of 'illegal' downloading. In fact the biggest money spinner for a band etc is the related merchandise (brings in a fortune) and not the actual album sales.
So it would be nice for the bigger music corporations to talk to the rest of the industry and hear our views about downloading music. We dont like to have a law that brands people criminals but that is exactly what the present system does. So to all that download music there are people in the industry that are battling to change things around (just buy an album occasionally - preferably from an independent label)

Take care all
PS: Some of the postings have been very hostile with personal attacks, threats to individuals etc. Please everyone chill out and just lets all get along. There is no point repeating your views over and over and theres no justification in putting people down....its hurtful and unnecessary!

Score: 0

By lukalock

posted Oct 24, 2005 - 7:13 AM

there's alot of times where i only like a certain song on a cd, and i really dont make enough money to buy a whole cd for $20 just so i can listen to one song. so yes - i will download some songs and make a "mix" cd (people can call me a theif all they want - i dont care) But anytime a band/musician i like comes out with a cd - i go to the store and buy it, because in the end, i just always like to have the original case and everything (besides - who knows if they'll be worth something someday?). and i know i'm not the only person like that - so i dont see why this is such a huge issue. really though... i'm just waiting for someone to start saying that we have to pay to listen the radio now...this is all so ridiculous.

Score: 0

By vanessa budd

edited Oct 20, 2005 - 12:13 PM

can someone PLEASE give me the name of another site that is free like Winmx for music. or is there a fix for winmx???

Score: 0

By Skotyman

posted Oct 19, 2005 - 8:38 PM

May I humbly request some info? (don't hurt me)
WinMx dissapeared from my computer, just vanished! Did they send out some kind of bot that can just delete programs, desktop icons et al?
Can they do that?
I am ignert of such things.
I found you guys through gooogle and hope you can answer my question.
Thank You.

Score: 0

By kaybesmiff

edited Oct 17, 2005 - 7:11 PM

Can someone please email me this alternative site for winmix to download music? I deleted winmx hoping to reinstall it, and then found it was gone so the "vlaad" patch won't work for me. Cheers kbonuda@hotmail.com

Score: 0

By reichman

edited Oct 19, 2005 - 3:24 AM

They are doing it the wrong way anyway and shooting themselves in the foot. The more you try to extort people, the more the word gets out. Trying to combat piracy will result in new technologies and new ways that will only make things worse for them. Good i say. Anyone who is only out to extort and knock down the little guys deserves a smack in the head....Hurts the artists profits my ass... how many of you own $200 000 sports cars and private jets. If i did i'd sell the crap, buy a datsun and retire.

This is not about copyrights. This is about money, plain and simple and using every single legal avenue to extort families and other companies into payment. To them, it's all in a days work.

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 19, 2005 - 8:21 AM

Ahh the old "they have enough money so it's ok to steal excuse"...spoken like a true communist, gratz. Hey since every other major corporation out there has CEO's with 6+ figure salaries does that mean it's ok to steal their stuff to?

Score: 0

By dreamshaker

edited Oct 22, 2005 - 12:22 AM

Well I've just discovered today why I can't get a connection to winmx to "steal" some music that people have put up to share.
I noticed a lot of comments from Arakiel, attacking winmx user's. Well I must say you are on the defense for the RIAA, you have made that very clear. I was just wondering if you were a famous artist going under the alias of Arakiel?, or if you just have too much time on your hands that you can sit here and spend all this time worrying what "common crim's" are doing. I don't understand what you are losing out of people downloading free music. Also putting people down by calling them names, in case you didn't realise, thats defamation and that is also a crime, so I guess that makes you just as bad as us "theives". Also in case you didn't know that stealing is one of the first and oldest crimes in history and over the centuries the laws haven't been able to stop this crime, so I doubt that one little Arakiel on full attack will be able to stop it. I suggest that you save all your name calling and energy and put it into something more important. The decision to stop downloading free music doesn't bother me. But another thing you need to learn is that everybody is entitled to their own opinions, whether you like what they say or do or not. These people are obviously anguished and upset about the decision. You came into this, it seems with an attitude of belittling people for a site that was available for them to use. I have noticed that you have attacked almost everybody on here for stating "their opinions" which is not a good attitude!!
So I guess I have come to the conclusion that you have nothing better to do, you have too much time on your hands and you like to feel like you have the power.I don't understand why all this is so disturbing to you. Maybe I could suggest that you find yourself a hobby of some sort or maybe a site with people that live by the law like yourself. I'm sending you some love and energy as it seems as though you need some. Good luck!!!!

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 23, 2005 - 12:30 PM

Maybe I could suggest that you learn to read better...or at all for that matter...at least before trying to comment on and flame someone.

Score: 0

By Laurabelgium

edited Oct 15, 2005 - 5:47 AM

Does anybody know where i can download so many awesome private photos?

A lesbian girl from belgium (laurabelgium@gmail.com)

Score: 0

By tantric

edited Oct 17, 2005 - 3:38 AM

mail me laura (tanner781@hotmail.com)

Score: 0

By downloader2006

edited Oct 14, 2005 - 1:01 AM

http://neonapster.com/
A Nice free music DL site. neonapster.com

Score: 0

By Giebult

posted Oct 13, 2005 - 10:55 PM

For those of you who can't be bothered to scroll through this thread - WINMX is not dead. It is being resurrected by a dedicated group of people. This link will provide instructions for reconnecting to WINMX.
http://www.vladd44.com/p...topic.php?p=26688#26688

Score: 0

By stephbein

edited Oct 13, 2005 - 9:06 PM

so does anyone know of a good, free downloading program now that wimmx gone ( which ticked me off) let's not keep it to ourselves! e-mail me plz!! I'm desperate! (stephbein@hotmail.com)

Score: 0

By scott8kin

edited Oct 13, 2005 - 6:48 PM

please assist in another free downloadin site as i cant even link up to ares anymore Scotty u gota help me we av the same name!
Cheers Scott!

Score: 0

By Big scotty

edited Oct 11, 2005 - 7:23 PM

I was pissed when winmx shut down,but people do not worry,there is another network which i think is better fordownloading,if ya want to know where it is at e-mail me

Score: 0

By karlallen21

edited Oct 26, 2005 - 7:09 AM

can i have site you mentioned many thanks karl

Score: 0

By lukalock

posted Oct 24, 2005 - 7:22 AM

quite frankly, i think i must paranoid or something - but is there anyway you could just post the address for the site? --my mommy told me not to exchange emails with strangers - she says i can viruses that way. ;)

Score: 0

By crazydayz

edited Oct 23, 2005 - 7:42 PM

Scotty or anyone who has a new download spot please hook me up. I started with winmx after it went down i got ares and now its almost impossable to connect and maintain connection.
If anyone has anything or any idea on a new spot please email me @ abbysdad152@hotmail.com
all help will be greatly appriceated
thank you

Score: 0

By iamgrasshopper

edited Oct 21, 2005 - 9:12 PM

Scotty,
Could you please email me with the info you have for a free music downloading program. Iam so upset that WinMx is down. Can I ask you a fav? Please let me know who you are in the subject box or something to do with this reply. With so many virus out there you just have to be so careful. Thank you Brenda

Score: 0

By lilatlqt

edited Oct 13, 2005 - 1:03 PM

Scotty I have been offline for a little while and just found out about WINMX. can you email me that other program at lilatlqt95@yahoo.com. I would really appreciate it. Thanks alot!

Score: 0

By Laurabelgium

edited Oct 14, 2005 - 8:55 AM

Hi i would love to keep download amateur photos. Where do i have to go please tell me
Thanks in advance
Laura

Score: 0

By Blaque

edited Oct 14, 2005 - 6:49 AM

hey big scotty im replying to your comment on the network you have found for downloading, an i am also seriousy pissed with whats happend and would love 4 you to email me with the website name thanks

Score: 0

By scott8kin

posted Oct 13, 2005 - 6:51 PM

help me find another station for downloadin cheers

Score: 0

By fmannting

edited Oct 13, 2005 - 3:16 PM

Hi

Please E-mail the winmx replacement, thanks

finn

Score: 0

By woodrug

edited Oct 13, 2005 - 11:23 AM

hi scotty
i was also pissed to find winmx offline could you please let me know the other network for downloading.

cheers
gervais

Score: 0

By mellowr

edited Oct 12, 2005 - 5:32 AM

Big Scotty you said there is another network for downloading? and is it totally free? please e-mail it to me and it would be greatly appreciated. thanks. i also came back from vacation and discoved winmix was gone. i don't consider my self stealing music, when cassette tapes was the rage everyone was copying the whole tape and it was no big deal. now it's just one song from a cd and people act like we just robbed a bank?? go figure. the cd's i do buy (which is alot) i add to my library and there mine to share is that so wrong??

Score: 0

By LittleG

edited Oct 10, 2005 - 5:54 PM

I'm responding to Giebult's comment. HOW IN THE ****ING HELL IS DOWNLOADING MUSIC STEALING. SOMEONE BOUGHT THE DAMN ALBUM SOMEWHERE TO PUT IT ON THEIR COMPUTER, DUH. SO, THEREFORE ALL YOU DOING IS USING HIS MUSIC. BUT THE ALBUM IS ALREADY BEEN PAID FOR. I THINK THIS RIAA IS A BUNCH OF DAMN dumba**ES AND IF YOU COME TO MY HOUSE AND TRY TO TAKE MY COMPUTER OR MESS WITH MY MUSIC I HAVE THEN THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES AND REPROCUSSIONS. SO THERE YOU HAVE NOW **** WITH IT IF YOU WON'T TO. I KNOW THE CONSTITUTION AND I KNOW MY RIGHTS. PEACE. OH YEAH, AND HAVE A NICE DAY.

Score: 0

By Giebult

posted Oct 13, 2005 - 10:50 PM

Hey LittleG, I'm amazed that you are able to find the caps lock button. Does yelling really help? How is downloading stealing? Duh - you did not buy the music. Someone else did and you downloaded a bootleg copy. Is that simple enough or should I try monosylabic words. If you had read the entire message you would know that I do download and I'm not about to stop. I do however realize that what I'm doing is against the law, whether I agree with the law is another issue. I at least realize that what I'm doing is stealing. I doubt if you are able to quote 5% of the Constitution and as for the Bill of Rights, can you tell us how many ammendments there are and where does it state that you have a right to download music?

Arakiel, I apologize. I was and still am new to this forum. I did not trully realize the level of frustration generated by the posters, nor did I appreciate the regression into sub-human intelligence. How do you maintain any level of rationality trying to discuss basic concepts with slugs?

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 14, 2005 - 9:43 PM

*nod* frustrating dealing with ignorance isn't it.

Score: 0

By Giebult

edited Oct 6, 2005 - 9:26 PM

I'd like to address this comment to Arakiel. Are you so self-righteous that you can't see the other side? Is everything entirely black or white? Your comments have merit, but so do those of the other posters. There is wrong on both sides. YES, IT IS STEALING and I will continue to do so. I have contributed more than my fair share to the recording industry. I'm 51 years old and have purchased numerous 45's, LP's, tapes, and CD's. It's funny that when vinyl was the rage, no one worried if songs were shared. The times do make societies mores. The recording industry has had and continues to have a very unfair advantage - can you say monopoly. No, two wrongs don't make a right, but a line has to be drawn somewhere.

I'm sure that an equitable arrangement could be reached and songs could be purchased for a lower price, but why should they do so? Where else can people go to obtain music? Please, don't bring up ITunes - it's not available to all and quality is an issue when it comes to music. Music can't be compared to material possesions. It's art, it's for the heart and soul. The mainstream music and artists that
are pushed on us is usually all the same. It's what the recording industry thinks we should like. How many truly talented artists can't be heard because they don't fit the mold and can't find any other outlet, other than P2P, to be recognized and appreciated. P2P will not go away, neither will WINMX, it will flourish and new undetectable ways to share files are being developed as we type.

Arakiel, you sound like Moses coming down the mount. A little tolerence and understanding go a long way. You write with intelligence and passion - rare qualities these days. Remember the old saying about not judging a person until you've walked a mile in thier shoes. Legality and morality are not the same thing and all issues need to have all sides considered. When two sides can't reach an agreement, it's customary to proceed with mediation or binding arbitration. Why will the recording industry not agree to have an outside disinterested party arbiter this grievance?

People will share files,be it songs or other media, it's human nature. When something is precious or outstandig, compensation will be forthcoming. The onus should not be only on us, the RIAA needs to shoulder some of the blame also. Please see the situation from both sides and a little less rant will allow a much better discusion of the issue. It's hard to stay calm and informative when someone is constantly bashing your face in. Please, LIGHTEN UP!

Score: 0

By Arakiel

edited Oct 7, 2005 - 10:10 AM

I agree that I have gone a bit too far on occasion in this thread. For the most part I can agree that the RIAA is in self-defeating mode. But the sheer ignorance of the people on this thread and the excuses they make trying to justify theft gets under my skin after awhile and a tempered argument is out the window. What kills me are the people who try to tell me it's ok for them to steal because they are poor, or they don't agree with the RIAA's prices, or that the RIAA is evil in any of a multitude of ways so taking from them is ok. Thats pure and utter bulls***. And though I don't consider it self-rightous, it IS rather black and white. Taking copyrighted material without paying for it is a crime, period. RIAA policies or not, taking music is theft and theft is illegal. Sorry, but I just don't see a grey area here.

Score: 0

By Requin

edited Oct 15, 2005 - 5:28 PM

If a friend gives you a CD that they bought, and you use it, you have taken copyright material without paying for it, but wait- that's not a crime!!! (Gasp!!) The original intent of the copyright act was so that you couldn't make money off someone else's idea, nor could you take credit for their idea. File sharing does neither. I'm in Canada, and downloading music is NOT illegal up here. Sharing the files is closer to copyright infringement that DLing.(Little glitch in the CRA that the gov't is looking to fix, but may not if we have an election soon...)
Like most legal matters (and this is entirely a legal matter) it is NOT black and white until a court says it is black and white, and that isn't entirely the case yet. Maybe you don't see a gray area because you don't fully know what you're talking about.

Score: 0

By lukalock

posted Oct 24, 2005 - 7:41 AM

*quote* "The original intent of the copyright act was so that you couldn't make money off someone else's idea, nor could you take credit for their idea. File sharing does neither." *end quote* Requin is completely right. too many times laws are made to prtect something and end up being taken too far by greed, zealots, what have you - just take a look at the whole religion vs. state or whatever its called. that law was originally created to keep the constituion safe by restricting government from getting involved/messing around with people's religious rights - and now look at it, it's completely turned around and being used to make it so that religion almost can't even be taken outside of the home without some sort of lawsuit. in the end - people share and have always shared things that they find precious. it's called spreading the wealth...a very uncommon practice these days. and if these people don't like the idea of sharing their art and music without getting every last penny for it -- then why the hell did they ever become entertainers/artists/musicians?

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Oct 17, 2005 - 8:25 AM

Um..yes it IS a crime you retard. You really need to brush up on your facts before spouting off like a moron.

Score: 0

By Requin

posted Oct 17, 2005 - 8:47 AM

So giving a CD for a present is a crime? Gee, I guess HMV better really start warning their customers!! Bull. Canada wise, I most certainly have "brushed up" on my facts. (Have you ever even read the copyright act? Do you know anything about statutory interpretation? Have you read the actual decision of the court?) US doesn't matter to me as I don't live there.

You're the one who looks like a moron for trying to make a legal issue a moral one, and for talking about a concept you obviously know nothing about.

Score: 0

By Arakiel

edited Oct 17, 2005 - 9:50 AM

Sorry missed the part about your friend giving it to you. If your friend gives it to you they are giving up their legal license to you. Unlike file sharing where your "friend" retains the original and whatever rights they may posses, not that they ever have any. The license follows the CD. I guarantee you that is a crime in Canada just as it is in the United States. What ****ing retards like you always fail to realize is that buying the CD does not give you ownership of the song. It gives you license to listen to the song whenever you please.

Care to try to come up with another lame a** ****ing excuse to steal propery? Or are you done being a ****ing retarded chimp?

Score: 0

By Ladyj

edited Nov 7, 2005 - 9:02 PM

I'm not going to comment on the issue one way or the other. I just want to say that you catch more flies with honey then with vinegar. It's perfectly legal to post your opinions, but remember they are just that. YOUR opinions. You call everyone on here that don't agree with you a retard (or worse). You ASSume that just because someone says what I am saying right now; that you don't have to degrade or call names to make your point that they haven't read the entire thread then call them names. O.k. they started calling you names first, but be bigger then them. Stooping to their level makes you no better. You have also called people names who didn't insult you in the least way they just didn't agree with you. I am sure that though I have not said I think it's right or wrong to pirate music, nor have I said that I have, or will do it I am sure that an insulting reply may follow. Once again I am not for one side or the other I am just saying that the name calling is not needed on either side and it takes two to tango. If one side stops, then the side that does not stop shows the true character of themselves. So folks let try to play nicely. Just for the record though, there are not words in the human vernacular to say how little I care what some one thinks of me, since their opinion will not add nor take away one iota from my stature. So why waste heart beats on it? This has all just been my opinion.

Score: 0

By Requin

posted Oct 19, 2005 - 10:40 PM

I guarantee you it's legal in Canada. I live here, I've read the decisions. See, what you fail to understand, is that each person has the right to make a copy of a song for personal use. You do not have the right to copy the song to distribute it. The legal technicality is that there is the assumption that if you were making a copy, you had a legitimate paid for original. But the law doesn't state that you must legally own a copy of the original to make a personal use copy. So file sharers are very much skirting the law. As of yet, the gov't has not corrected this legal loophole. However, I assure you as I have a legal degree, call to the bar, etc., that I know exactly of what I am speaking. I work in the industry, and I am telling you what the law IS. For a license to be valid, one usually must sign it. You buy software with an end user agreement, and you usually have to sign it. You don't have to sign any kind of license to purchase a CD. If you really want to debate a legal issue, get a legal education. A right is not property. The right of copyright is a right, not a property, so in no way shape or form is file sharing "stealing property"

Score: 0

By Elvis Trotsky

edited Oct 20, 2005 - 9:59 AM

You had that coming Arakiel. Perhaps now you have been made to look like a retarded moron yourself, you will think twice before using such offensive and inflammatory terms of abuse to others with whom you disagree. Oh, and let me save you the trouble of replying: 'I am a ****ing retarded moron who thinks it's ok to steal things'. Not true actually, but why let the facts get in the way of a good rant. Right?

Score: 0