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Will the New RIAA Tactic Boost P2P File Sharing?
newtley writes "The RIAA's claim that it'll stop suing people may have serious consequences... for the RIAA. When it dropped its attack on seven University of Michigan students, Recording Industry vs. The People wondered if the move was linked to three investigations, with MediaSentry as the target, before Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Now, 'LSA sophomore Erin Breisacher said she stopped downloading music illegally after hearing about the possibility of receiving a lawsuit, but now that the RIAA has stopped pursuing lawsuits she "might start downloading again,"' says the Michigan Daily, going on to quote LSA senior Chad Nihranz as saying, 'I figure, if there aren't as many lawsuits they will come out with more software to allow students to download more.'"
What about some of the other potential tactics we've discussed recently, such as the UK's proposed £20 per year film and music tax or the $5 monthly fee suggested in the US? Is there anything the RIAA can do to reduce illegal file-sharing without generating massive amounts of bad publicity?
Everyone knows that the Michigan Daily has a list of the most clueless people on campus which they call up whenever they need quotes for an article. I wouldn't put much stock in two anecdotes.
Stop trying to sue people for tens of thousands of dollars for "stealing" a $.99 song.
You've been living under a rock for a little while haven't you? FYI, iTunes is DRM free and RIAA no longer sues.
Taxing a person $40 a year, and giving it to RIAA, when said person does Not illegally download music IS an illegitimate law. It's theft of wealth by the RIAA. It's as much a human rights violation as when some thug steals your wallet.
>>>If you break these "illegitimate" laws...then you are the one who is being immoral. And narrow minded.
Tell that to Martin Luther King. Tell that to Ghandi or Harriet Tubman or Malcolm X. Tell them they were "narrow minded" to protest and violate laws.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall