B-4 U Download

Can you make your own CDs and give them to friends?

If you post bootleg material on your Web site, can you get in trouble?

Before you burn a CD or click for a cool download, ask yourself a few questions:

* Is this music for my own personal use? (cool)

* Am I going to give or trade this music with another person? (Hmmm....could go either way. Answer a few more questions)

* Am I going to sell it? (uncool)

* Am I making digital copies of music that I already own? (cool)

* Am I downloading this so that I can avoid buying it in the store? (uncool)

* Is this Web site authorized by the musician or the record label? (cool)

* Is this an established, reputable site that has a licensing agreement with the musicians and/record labels? (cool)

* Do I have permission to post this music on my Web site? (if no - uncool)

Finally, ask yourself:

* Am I downloading, or freeloading?

In your heart, you know the difference.