- Dec 2, 1999
- 460
- 0
- 0
Grandfather caught in music fight
A grandfather has said he was wrongly accused of illegally downloading music online at the start of a legal campaign by the US music industry.
Durwood Pickle, 71, of Texas, said his teenage grandchildren used his computer during visits to his home.
"I didn't do it, and I don't feel like I'm responsible," he said.
Mr Pickle was among 261 individuals accused of sharing music files on the internet without permission.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed lawsuits in federal courts across the US on behalf of major record companies Universal, BMG, EMI, Sony and Warner Brothers.
It warns those found guilty that they face fines of up to $150,000 (£100,000) per song swapped. Critics have accused the RIAA of being heavy-handed.
Originally posted by: Moonbeam
She should sue for psychological damages in the billions. Let a jury decide.
Originally posted by: Wag
PR nightmare. Don't they realize they're just doing themselves more damage? What are they trying to prove?
Yes, but I don't buy Radar Guns.Lawsuits will prevent downloading about as well as traffic tickets prevent speeding.
A very good idea. I boycotted the RIAA a long time ago for acts like this one. Never again will I purchase any music that might enrich any of those companies.Originally posted by: Moonbeam
She should sue for psychological damages in the billions. Let a jury decide.
It is, I think, a last-resort reactionary move based exclusively on greed and fear. They may even realize this new approach will hurt them but they'll do it anyway to satisfy the urge for maintaining high profits.I mean, what the hell are they thinking? This is a PR nightmare that will hunt them for a long time. And yet again the RIAA reminds me why I stopped buy/listening to music (nothing but crap being released anyway). First price fixing, now suing kids.
Originally posted by: Reliant
What happens to those people who were sued by the RIAA? I mean, nobody has that kind of money. Let's say you have like 7 songs...that a million dollars right there.
So what's the point of this? I don't get what is going to happen to those people
Originally posted by: Tabb
Originally posted by: Reliant
What happens to those people who were sued by the RIAA? I mean, nobody has that kind of money. Let's say you have like 7 songs...that a million dollars right there.
So what's the point of this? I don't get what is going to happen to those people
Its not a million dollars. You've got Album A on your HD, you give it to three people. Each person gives it to 3 other people....and so on. I agree the costs are way too high. Anything above $20k is way too much and is still pretty high. However people should grow up and take responsiblity for their actions.
Originally posted by: kaizersose
what's the max fine for shoplifting? $1000 + cost of merchandise? i dont see the difference between stealing physical property and digitial property. why is the fine for stealing digital property so much higher?
Consider someone who shouts "fire!" in a crowed theatre when there is no fire vs. someone who starts a real fire. I suppose you're in favor of a higher penalty for the shouter because it's MUCH easier to shout?Because its MUCH more easy to copy
Originally posted by: JellyBaby
Consider someone who shouts "fire!" in a crowed theatre when there is no fire vs. someone who starts a real fire. I suppose you're in favor of a higher penalty for the shouter because it's MUCH easier to shout?Because its MUCH more easy to copy
You're welcome.Originally posted by: Tabb
Originally posted by: JellyBaby
Consider someone who shouts "fire!" in a crowed theatre when there is no fire vs. someone who starts a real fire. I suppose you're in favor of a higher penalty for the shouter because it's MUCH easier to shout?Because its MUCH more easy to copy
I said I was in favor of a higher penatly? Where? Link, Quote thx....
Originally posted by: Tabb
Originally posted by: kaizersose
what's the max fine for shoplifting? $1000 + cost of merchandise? i dont see the difference between stealing physical property and digitial property. why is the fine for stealing digital property so much higher?
Because its MUCH more easy to copy