How to best ensure remuneration for creators in the market for music? : copyright and its alternatives

Essay examines the market for copyrighted works with a particular emphasis on the sound recording market. This market is in a state of flux, due to the ability of the internet to lower transmission costs for both authorized and unauthorized copies, with the latter being, far more prevalent. It also discusses the intent of copyright, the role of copying and file-sharing, and some alternative production/consumption schemes meant to strengthen or to replace copyright.