$616.57 Three Strikes Verdict Cost RIANZ $250,000

Dangerous_Minds writes "On Wednesday, we discussed news that RIANZ convicted its first file-sharer under the New Zealand three strikes law. While the fine totaled $616.57, a New Zealand Herald report points out that in order to get that fine, RIANZ had to spend $250,000. Freezenet makes an interesting point that HADOPI (France's version of the three strikes law) faced similar problems when the Socialist party commented that 12 million euros was a lot of money to pay 60 agents to send out 1 million e-mails. The question raised is whether or not this money pit trend will continue when the Copyright Alert System starts processing strike notices in the United States."

Comments

Heads on pikes

[Anonymous Coward]

The problem is, it's worth $250K to MAFIAA. Every head publicly displayed on a pike serves a purpose: "pour encourager les autres". It's an advertising expense. Pay up, or this could happen to you, too.

Re:Heads on pikes

[Anonymous Coward]

But is it? What if someone set up a fund? Every $1 you contribute costs them roughly $400. Would you contribute a buck to legally cost the RIAA/MPAA a real $400, not a fake imaginary potential $400?

Then honeypot them with lots of tiny 1-2 file shares that will result in similar very tiny payouts. At that rate they will be bankrupt or give up within a year.

Like policians care

[crazyjj]

Citizens see the cost situation like this:

Cost to pursue and prosecute these cases -(is greater than)- The return in fines + the benefit to society.

Politicians see it like this:

Donations to my campaign from the media industries + Future support from my party -(is greater than)- Any backlash from voters about the cost

IANAL

[srussia]

But is it? What if someone set up a fund? Every $1 you contribute costs them roughly $400

I am not a lawyer, but I now feel a strange urge to become one.