The Possibilities and Problems of Digital Recording and DistributionAbstract: This essay addresses the creative possibilities generated by the influx of inexpensive, easy-to-use software, hardware, and digital distribution techniques for digital recording. One of the main themes of the essay is the problem of sustaining creativity and artistic integrity in an unmediated digital environment. What would you say if I told you I purchased entire paragraphs of this item online? You would probably accuse me of plagiarism and ignore the content of the essay. However, many contemporary composers and their listeners consider the practice of purchasing digital "loops" of music for use in compositions to be entirely acceptable. Over the past two decades, the implementation of computers in the recording industry has significantly reduced the cost of high-quality recording. This cost reduction has resulted in an extreme shift in the music recording process: instead of spending hours and thousands of dollars in the studio, musicians can now record high-quality music in their own homes. While giving recording power to the musician should in theory increase the creativity of the recording process, the current state of the digital music community demonstrates that this is not the case. Inexpensive recording equipment, combined with easy digital production and distribution, have spawned a large digital music community with no legal or quality control standards. This lack of standards has triggered a depreciation of the quality and originality of the work produced by the music community. The reduced costs and greater independence of digital music production and distribution allow for greater creative freedom...... middle of paper ... ...ndry.com/loop_libraries/default2.asp?cid=-1> 4) Fisher, William. “Digital Music: Problems and Possibilities.” 10/10/00. Harvard. 5) “Make a joyful noise.” Amazon.com. - Online Store, This article discusses the latest digital recording software, as well as the lack of musical experience needed to create electronic music. 6) Ron Procopio. “Sampling: The Art of Stealing.” Musicadmin.com. - Essay discussing the context of sampling, along with its modern uses. 7) "New artist registration" Mp3.com - Contract between Mp3.com and the hosted musicians.