If you ever listen to music, or if you ever purchase music, or and this is particularly important, if you ever create music, you must go read this article Janis Ian wrote about the real role of internet music downloads. I quote

Costing me money? I don't pretend to be an expert on intellectual property law, but I do know one thing. If a music industry executive claims I should agree with their agenda because it will make me more money, I put my hand on my wallet…and check it after they leave, just to make sure nothing's missing.