As far as used CD's being scratched, you're allowed to make a duplicate copy for backup purposes. If its scratched, go find the MP3 and rebuild the CD.
Wait a minute... I can make MORE cars with my car duplicator, and sell them as my own? Cool. Now that's what I'm talking about.
why not? its ethical to make a cd compilation from ripping various different cds. and if someone doesn't like the used car analogy how about a used book. its the exact same thing. copyrighted intellectual property which is being resold.
I didn't read all the posts, so forgive me if what I say is a repeat. The only problem I can see with buying used CDs is that the people who get rid of them likely ripped the songs they wanted and then got rid of them. They probably still have the songs on their computers or MP3 players. However,that is not the new owner's fault. The original owner would be violating the copyright, not the person who bought the CD. If you have possession of the CD, I think you're in the clear. Same thing goes for movies,software and games, in my opinion.
Isn't this exactly the way music companies NOW want you to think? See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-sale_doctrine. The doctrine of first sale states that once the music is sold ONCE (initially), the record companies, artists, etc., have made their money. From then on, it's transfer of ownership. The CD IS THE MUSIC IS YOUR PROPERTY. Or at least, it used to be. That's why, to be "smart", the record companies are starting to put gibberish in the CD pamphlet indicating that you're buying a license. When this started happening, I know the EFF and other groups wanted a sticker on CD cases indicating this was the case... I don't know what happened to that. So basically, what you're saying is true now *in some cases*, but not all. And it definitely wasn't the case before. ***** Obviously, every industry now wants to move to a subscription-based model so that you can use this license idea as a way to constantly milk money out of a consumer. Games do it (DD - duh?), music wants to do it (Napster), software in general wants to do it (Microsoft Office Live)... Get ready to own nothing.