Washington University may only be a few more steps away from providing students with the means to legally download movies and music.
Once it reaches an agreement with Ruckus, a digital network based in Virginia, the wait will be over.
“We are still reviewing the contract and technical specifications,” said Matt Arthur, director of Residential Technology Services. “Once Wash. U. has made the decision and signed the contract, the actual time to implement it according to Ruckus would be relatively short.”
Developed specifically for universities, Ruckus offers 1.5 million music tracks, 45 movies that are rotated weekly and a section that features student-made content.
Students can also use the company’s community features that allow users to connect with others that share their tastes in music and movies.
The University held a digital expo last year where many companies showcased their offers. Students gave their feedback and, from their five favorites Ruckus was chosen by a committee made up of Student Union and Congress of the South 40 representatives, as well as Arthur and Dean James McLeod.
“One of the goals of the committee was to assure that whatever was decided would be the best step for the student population,” said Arthur. “That is why the various student leadership organizations have been involved from the beginning.”
Student Union President David Ader recognizes the progress the University has made since the music fair.
“We’re moving as quickly as possible,” he said. “And we’re finally working with just this one company.”
Ruckus should come as a welcome necessity for students who can’t download because of the copyright laws upheld by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Although illegal downloading on campus does exist, the rate is said to be relatively low.
“In communications with [RIAA] and its staff, we have been commended for the work done both for and with our student population concerning copyright issues,” said Arthur.
Ruckus recently changed its structure regarding downloading, and students can now buy music with a license to own the song. Without buying, however, they can only listen to it for 30 days until the license expires.
Although some students might welcome the new Ruckus, others doubt that a University-sponsored service would be embraced by all.
“It’s better than not having anything at all,” said senior Sarah Weiss. “Some would pay and others would find ways to do it for free by going off campus.”
Freshman Dave Shapiro says he wouldn’t use the service at all.
“I have other ways of getting music, like file-sharing or just buying CDs – but who does that anymore?” he said. “But people who use iTunes, there’s no reason they wouldn’t use something else.”
Ruckus would presumably decrease illegal downloading, but no one can predict that for sure.
For the University, the main issue is keeping the problem to a minimum.
“Illegal downloading is a problem nationwide,” said Ader. “The University must do all it can.”