I see both sides, I really do. My computer is old and slow though, and if it could completely download an entire ablum it would take a very long time and would likely be a strain due to size. So it really isn't an option to me.

But if it was... I would ultmiately not download. While I'm impatient for Vertigo, I also know this isn't how the band would choose to release it. Perhaps getting it for myself online wouldn't really make a difference, as I'd buy the album as soon as it is released anyway, but if this is how an online version was originally obtained, I'm not interested in getting it from something like that.

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Not only do I agree with the "Don't Download!" argument, I like it because it's so well written, especially in comparison with the "Download It!" argument.

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I wouldn't download it a)because my computer is a P.O.S and it would probably take until November anyway and b)Although I hate waiting, it will be worth it (to me) in November.

I can understand why people would though. I mean it is U2 :)

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I agree with 'To Download', of course. I see no valid reason besides personal morals not to download.

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I wouldn't download the songs even if they paid me to do it! It's wrong just because the CD was stolen in the first place.
We should be loyal to U2 and wait 'til November 22nd to listen to the CD.

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I disagree with a lot of stuff in the 'pros' article, and I agree wholeheartedly with everything in the 'cons' article. I'm so glad someone took the time to write out that argument so well.

I find that one of the worst things about Internet leakage is that it divides the fans right down the middle. In the past, everyone got to hear the music at the same time, and share the whole experience together. Nowadays, some people hear it before others, because of these different moral viewpoints... it just seems like a real shame that the whole thing has become a kind of competition. If the songs become available online, I know I'll have to go out of my way to avoid this community, the newsgroups and every other fan forum, because people will be discussing them and I don't want to hear about it yet. Which feels very unfair. :/

When ATYCLB came out, someone on the newsgroups mentioned that he'd taken great pleasure in driving up to the music store on the day of the album's release, blaring his illegally downloaded copy from the car windows as he approached the waiting queues. My blood practically boiled when I read that... I can't believe someone could be so inconsiderate towards the people who wanted to wait until they got home with the CD. I hate the way some fans can totally spoil the experience for other fans in this era.

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i couldn't even think of downloading it. not only out of my loyalty to the band (which is a major factor in my decision), but also because getting up early and waiting outside the store on release morning and ripping open the plastic around the cd is something i value very much. maybe it's silly, but nothing will change that.

hell, i wouldn't download it even if it was the band's decision and they supported the idea. because it's just not fun.

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i don't find that silly. that's a main reason for me as well. i love the feeling of holding an album (especially a U2 album) in my hand before knowing how it sounds. having the physical representation of it before you, seeing how it feels before hearing how it feels, and then matching those two things up. it's all about anticipation, baby.

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I didn't take the time to read the articles cuz I have to get ready for work. But I have spent a shitload of money on U2 and I *will again* spend a shitload of money on U2. I downloaded ATYCLB before it was released (somehow mysteriously leaked onto the web) and then bought everyone in my family the cd for Christmas. I will download the new album.

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not to download. i mean, even if I did, i would still go and buy the album, and this way, the anticipation is greater. besides, I almost got caught at my school for downloading which can not only possibly get you a hefty fine, but also kicked out. and getting kicked out of a university is not a good thing.

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I don't want to spoil the new album by downloading the working copies of the songs. After I buy the new album, I would download songs if there were working versions (like the Salome tapes from Achtung Baby). I would not download the songs in replacement of buying the album, that is certain.

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