Problem-Solution Essay Outline

Main problem:  Peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing sites on the Internet normalizes illegal copyright infringement which damages the music industry. I will use America as an example in this essay.

Affected target group/stakeholder: Music industry includes: artists, composers, other music makers.

Agent of change/stakeholder: Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), governmental groups that deal with education and copyright laws, schools and parents.

Solution 1: Creation and enforcement of laws and legal controls by the American government to restrict access and shut down p2p sites.

Evaluation 1:  Such actions occasionally become successful, as many p2p sites shut down. However, it is impossible to govern and control the Internet as Internet domains can cross borders.

Solution 2: Public education by the government, RIAA together with schools to educate the youths against using p2p sites and to stop copyright infringements.

Implication/Conclusion: Public education can teach the youths that such p2p sites and copyright infringements are illegal which hopefully will deter them from using such sites.

Thesis: Online piracy has plagued the music industry since the creation of Napster, a peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing Internet site in 1999. The music industry has to work with the government in ensuring tighter laws and better public awareness to control piracy, or the industry will see their revenues fall and artists struggle to survive.