Making a backup is not piracy.

I used to be one of those people who thought backups of CDs/DVDs were not required. I take really good care of my media. Always putting it back in a case, and if a case isn’t handy placing it gently in a spot that’s free of debris. There was no need for me to make a backup copy of any media.

Enter my wife and kids.

The realization that backups of CDs/DVDs started when I was asked to switch out the Toy Story DVD and put in another movie for the kids. I glanced at the bottom of the DVD and could see nothing but finger prints and dirt.

A couple weeks back I was handed a stack of CDs. Not in cases, backsides facing each other, again covered in smudges.

On our recent vacation my wife was switching DVDs out of the van media player. Thumb firmly placed on the underside, index finger across the top. BIG thumb print on the bottom.

Today, I’ve been re-ripping a number of CDs in our collection. I’ve adjusted iTunes settings to give me a higher quality AAC (when did iTunes start including VBR as an option with AAC?). Grab Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway, stick it in the PowerBook, immediately it’s ejected. Check the bottom, just covered with scratches and finger prints. This being one of my daughter’s favourite CDs.

So making backups piracy? Hell no. It’s required to protect your investment.