RIAA: Black Friday RIAA Protest & Boycott organization starting here - Keep tuned

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: notfred
This is a stupid boycott. You take a whole bunch of people who download music instead of buying it, and tell them "don't buy music". Yeah, that's going to have a huge effect on music sales.

That's where apparently some in here are not getting it and NOT paying Attention. No one is going to hold up a sign that says don't buy CD's. It would be nice if most people didn't purchase a CD on that particular day but the MAIN mesage is the organized Protest against the manipulation of the Laws (you cannot say they are not manipulating them) and their overall push to stop Technology and progress.

Yeah, sure lets go back to pre-electricity days.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: notfred
This is a stupid boycott. You take a whole bunch of people who download music instead of buying it, and tell them "don't buy music". Yeah, that's going to have a huge effect on music sales.

That's where apparently some in here are not getting it and NOT paying Attention. No one is going to hold up a sign that says don't buy CD's. It would be nice if most people didn't purchase a CD on that particular day but the MAIN mesage is the organized Protest against the manipulation of the Laws (you cannot say they are not manipulating them)

Have they bought off all of the federal judges and supreme court justices? Then even if they have the house and senate "in their pockets" as someone else said, who cares? If the laws that are passed on their behalf violate people's rights unnecessarily, then they would be overturned. Call the ACLU.

and their overall push to stop Technology and progress.

Only insofar as it allows people to steal their products.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: thraashman
Is it just me or doesn't it seem like the RIAA gathering information from your computer by hacking the programs and tracing IP's, doing this without permission from you, and without a search warrant qualifies as illegal search and seizure and thus any evidence they try to present against you would be invalid. I really don't see how they're getting away with it. And as far as teh boycott, I've been doing that for the last 2 years (and I worked in a music store at that time too)

They were given this power by Congress through a Law called the DMCA.

They are currently looking to get even more powers as well.

This is the core of the Protest, nothing to do with the MP3 files themselves, NOTHING.

 

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: jliechty
I've stated already, for reasons that should be obvious (though some still do not get it), that mandatory hardware DRM without any limits upon the untrustworthy people in control (the RIAA) is one thing I do not want to see. The few fair use rights that we the people still have being taken away is another thing I don't want to see, though it's happening already. That you can not see the problems with hardware DRM does not surprise me, since you work at Intel and probably get paid to develop the stuff.

Thanks jliechty, for being the FIRST person to specify something deliverable. I've asked for specific examples no less than four times now, and you are the first to respond without citing generalizations.

So, for you, it's not about the prices of the cd's... or the lawsuits to contain the illegal activity... It's just about hardware DRM?

Oh yeah... No thanks for taking the unwarranted cheap shot at me at the end of your little rant. It was uncalled for.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Wingznut

Originally posted by: apoppin
Uin case you missed it - WE ARE PROTESTING THE RIAA'S METHODS AND TACTICS

This will fail miserably (a la the big gasoline boycott last year) if you don't get more clear in your goals.

You need to be protesting something specifically. Something that's both deliverable and measurable. Not only that, but you must deliver some possibilities of a better solution that would be fair to both parties.

You guys have done NONE of that. Just generalizations and whining.

WHAT DO YOU FRIGGIN' WANT???

What "I" want?

The clueless ones to drop out of this thread.



(so we can get on with the "details" of an effective boycott)

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674<br..

No one is going to hold up a sign that says don't buy CD's.[/quote]

I plan to and hope eveyone else involved in this boycott also goes OUT and protests.

I plan to have my local news station covering it also.

So there.

That you can not see the problems with hardware DRM does not surprise me, since you work at Intel and probably get paid to develop the stuff.

Doesn't seem so cheap to me.

 

[tm37]

Originally posted by: apoppin
What "I" want?

The clueless ones to drop out of this thread.



(so we can get on with the "details" of an effective boycott)

I am assuming that would be the people who don't agree with you.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Wingznut

Oh yeah... No thanks for taking the unwarranted cheap shot at me at the end of your little rant. It was uncalled for.

What, you mean "Lithography Technician" doesn't mean you work on hardware DRM technology? Never would have guessed that...

 

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: apoppin
What "I" want?

The clueless ones to drop out of this thread.



(so we can get on with the "details" of an effective boycott)

Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought... You don't really know what you want.

Just like any other endeavor, if you are going to lead any kind of movement, you need to have clear, deliverable goals and expectations in mind. Just shooting off that you want someone to change... But you don't know how... Isn't going to get you anywhere.

Personally, I'd suggest putting your efforts elsewhere, as a one day boycott is completely pointless.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: WingznutPersonally, I'd suggest putting your efforts elsewhere, as a one day boycott is completely pointless.

It's not a One Day Boycott.

It is a Country wide organized Protest, big difference.

 

[Palek]

dmcowen674, apoppin, jliechty etc. - Consider this a practice session! If you really want your voices to be heard and you want to get through to the public and the media, you and all the other protesters need to know exactly what you cause is: you have to be able to give a short, easy-to-understand and to-the-point summary of your complaints and demands. You need to educate the people you are trying to rally up behind your cause. So far I have only heard reasonable arguments from jliechty, and if that is any indication, this Black Friday movement will go unnoticed. If and when you stage your protests and all the average participant can say is, "RIAA sucks", you will not leave a mark. Tell us and yourselves over and over again what the problems are, just like the RIAA is telling the world and dog repeatedly in the news. apoppin, instead of dancing around in circles, why not just come out with what your argument really is? It will not be in vain, even though you think it is. You've got to drive your point home.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: tm37

Originally posted by: apoppin
What "I" want?

The clueless ones to drop out of this thread.



(so we can get on with the "details" of an effective boycott)

I am assuming that would be the people who don't agree with you.

Ax\ctually, I am referring to the clueless ones that will argue even though they have NO interest in the actual topiC:

Replying to Topic: RIAA: Black Friday RIAA Protest & Boycott organization starting here - Keep tuned

If you areN'T interested in the boycott - then drop out.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought... You don't really know what you want.

What difference does it make to you? you swallow all the Intel propaganda hook, line and sinker . . . .

Since you can't figure out what I want from this thread, it shows you're pretty much lost outside a geek thread.

You are PRO-palladium and anti-privacy, anyway, aren't you?

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Palek
dmcowen674, apoppin, jliechty etc. - Consider this a practice session! If you really want your voices to be heard and you want to get through to the public and the media, you and all the other protesters need to know exactly what you cause is: you have to be able to give a short, easy-to-understand and to-the-point summary of your complaints and demands. You need to educate the people you are trying to rally up behind your cause. So far I have only heard reasonable arguments from jliechty, and if that is any indication, this Black Friday movement will go unnoticed. If and when you stage your protests and all the average participant can say is, "RIAA sucks", you will not leave a mark. Tell us and yourselves over and over again what the problems are, just like the RIAA is telling the world and dog repeatedly in the news. apoppin, instead of dancing around in circles, why not just come out with what your argument really is? It will not be in vain, even though you think it is. You've got to drive your point home.

Jeez, it's spelled out over and over again. Most of the repliers have NOT read ANY of the links.

Or have the ridiculers made too much noise to see the issues?

Do you really need the "cliff's notes" again and again?

 

[apoppin]

OK, start here (ripped from the Politic's thread):

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
9-16-2003 Some musicians say they are beginning to wonder if the actions being taken in their name are a little extreme

Since the Recording Industry Association of America began its campaign against file-sharing services and unauthorized song swapping online in 1999, it has offered one chief justification for its actions: downloading songs is stealing money from the pockets of musicians.

But the musicians themselves have conflicted responses to file sharing and the tactics of the association, a trade group that represents record labels, not the musicians themselves, who have no organization that wields equal power.

"It would be nice if record companies would include artists on these decisions," said Deborah Harry of Blondie.

A few artists, like Metallica and Loudon Wainwright III, have come out strongly in favor of the record industry's crackdown.
At the same time, other influential musicians and groups ? like Moby, System of a Down, Public Enemy, and the Dead ? contend that the record industry's efforts are misguided and that it must work with the new technology instead of against it.

top-selling artists, even those who have been outspoken about embracing new technology, declined to comment on the lawsuits on the record, for fear of upsetting their labels.

Much of the stated concern over file sharing has centered on the revenue that record companies and musicians are losing, but few musicians ever actually receive royalties from their record sales on major labels, which managers say have accounting practices that are badly in need of review.

"I don't have sympathy for the record companies," said Mickey Melchiondo of the rock duo Ween. "They haven't been paying me royalties anyway."


9-9-2003 Mother of 12 Year Old Girl Settles RIAA Piracy Suit for $2,000 same day

"We understand now that file-sharing the music was illegal," Torres said in a statement distributed by the recording industry. "You can be sure Brianna won't be doing it anymore."

Brianna added: "I am sorry for what I have done. I love music and don't want to hurt the artists I love."

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., also alluded to Brianna's case.

"Are you headed to junior high schools to round up the usual suspects?" Durbin asked RIAA President Cary Sherman during a Senate Judiciary hearing.

Sherman responded that most people don't shoplift because they fear they'll be arrested.

"We're trying to let people know they may get caught, therefore they should not engage in this behavior," Sherman said. "Yes, there are going to be some kids caught in this, but you'd be surprised at how many adults are engaged in this activity."

9-9-2003 War on P2P: Congress introduces Legilation to Make File-Sharing a Felony

That 12 year old girl and 71 year old Grandfather could spend up to five years in prison, pay a $250,000 fine for trading a *single* copyrighted song if the Author, Consumer and Computer Owner Protection and Security Act (ACCOPS, HR 2752) is passed by Congress. This is a profoundly wrong-headed approach to file-sharing and it's up to you to stop it. Write your Congressperson today and urge them to stop this unbelievable attack on the American public.


9-9-2003 12-Year-Old Sued for Music Downloading

Brianna was among 261 people sued for copying thousands of songs via popular Internet file-sharing software ? and thousands more suits could be on the way.

"Nobody likes playing the heavy and having to resort to litigation," said Cary Sherman, the RIAA's president. "But when your product is being regularly stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action."

71 Year Old Grandfather sued by RIAA, says he hardly uses the Computer Grandkids use it.

Durwood Pickle, 71, of Richardson, Texas, said his teenage grandchildren downloaded music onto his computer during their visits to his home. He said his grown son had explained the situation in an earlier e-mail to the recording industry association.


9-8-2003 RIAA Declares D-Day

Record Industry Sues Music File Swappers

The recording industry filed hundreds of lawsuits Monday against individual music lovers, accusing them of illegally downloading and sharing songs over the Internet

The industry in recent weeks also has served subpoenas on at least 10 universities in an effort to identify individual file-swappers.


9-6-2003 Members here looking to organize Black Friday RIAA Boycott and Protest - Keep checking here for Updates...


9-5-2003 RIAA Unveils Amnesty Offer

For people who admit they illegally share music files across the Internet, promising not to sue them in exchange for their admission and pledge to delete the songs off their computers.

"It will be an interesting measure of how much fear the recording industry has managed to inject into the American public."
said Fred von Lohmann, a lawyer for the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, who has criticized the RIAA's use of copyright subpoenas. "I'll be curious to see how many opt for this."


9-4-2003 Even bigger news in the maybe they have a clue Dept:

World's largest record Company claims they only make 91 cents on a CD

Universal Music to Cut CD Prices to Under $13

"We expect this will invigorate the music market in North America," said Doug Morris, the label's chief executive. "This will allow retailers (to sell) for $10 or less if they so choose."

"Wholesale prices for CDs would decline to $9.09 from $12.02. For a handful of bigger name artists, wholesale prices would be $10.10 for a short period of time..."


So they still expect the public to believe they will only make 91 cents on a CD?


9-4-2003 Man tests Property rights in the Digital Age, tries to sell .99 cent Apple iTunes song he bought on EBay.

Says he will not keep a copy. Also said he will give the proceeds of the Sale to the EFF.

Bidding now up to $300

Value is at least $150,000 since the RIAA says that is how much each song is worth.

Does the Right of First Sale Still Exist?

Discussion on /.
Testing The Right To Resell Downloaded Music



9-3-2003 Research Group predicts end of CD's and DVD's

Virtual Delivery Seen as Death to Discs

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Hollywood will win the war against illegal downloading but the battlefield will be littered with casualties, including the DVD and CD formats as physical means of distributing video and audio, according to a Forrester Research study released Tuesday.

The study predicts that in five years, CDs and DVDs will start to go the way of the vinyl LP as 33% of music sales and 19% of home video revenue shifts to streaming and downloading....



Ruling may affect RIAA/MPAA pursuits against Internet Users

9-3-2003 Court: ISP subpoenas a 'grave' matter

"The subpoena power is a substantial delegation of authority to private parties, and those who invoke it have a grave responsibility to ensure it is not abused," said Judge Alex Kozinski.

This case is not related to the RIAA Vs Verizon or SBC cases, however legal experts say this ruling may eventually apply to the tactics being used by the RIAA/MPAA.

In the case that led to last week's ruling, an attorney obtained 339 e-mail messages--including personal communications and mail that had no relevance to the lawsuit--from the ISP, NetGate.

The panel ruled that the attorney had violated two federal laws: the Stored Communications Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The Stored Communications Act "reflects Congress' judgment that users have a legitimate interest in the confidentiality of communications in electronic storage at a communications facility.

"Just as trespass protects those who rent space from a commercial storage facility to hold sensitive documents, the Act protects users whose electronic communications are in electronic storage with an ISP or other electronic communications facility."

9-3-2003 Copy protected CDs illegal in France? Not quite

French Woman wins Lawsuit against Copyprotected CD's that don't work in all Players.

A Nanterre court has ordered the music label to refund a woman who could not play her new Alain Souchon CD on her car CD player. Alternatively, EMI is to provide a full-working copy. The ruling applies to all people who have bought CDs which they cannot play on some CD players, computers and Walkmans.

But EMI was not forbidden by the court to sell copyright protected CDs per se, merely that it must not sell defective CDs. So it appears like it could be back to the drawing board for the anti-piracy measures it uses.


8-28-2003 RIAA files Court case against "Jane Doe" Brooklyn New York Verizon customer

The RIAA in examining her Computer using FBI Forensic programs by remote control claim that the files on her Computer date back to Napster.

"The 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (news - web sites) permits music companies to force Internet providers to turn over the names of suspected music pirates upon subpoena from any U.S. District Court clerk's office, without a judge's signature required.

The RIAA has said it expects to file at least several hundred lawsuits seeking financial damages as early as next month. U.S. copyright laws allow for damages of $750 to $150,000 for each song offered illegally on a person's computer, but the RIAA has said it would be open to settlement proposals from defendants.

The campaign comes just weeks after U.S. appeals court rulings requiring Internet providers to readily identify subscribers suspected of illegally sharing music and movie files."


8-26-2003 Websites begin ISP Subpoena's to identify people that surf their site

Thanks to the RIAA's and the Legal system's destruction of due process exploitation will now commence to new levels.


8-24-2003 EFF RIAA Subpoena database - Put in your address to see if you & your ISP has been subpoena'd for prosecution

8-22-2003 File swapper fights RIAA subpoena

Good detailed discussion from SlashDot
Anonymous User Challenges RIAA Subpoena

8-11-2003 NetCoalition Sends Letter to RIAA Requesting Answers about Subpoena Initiative

"There are understandable fears among many in the Internet community that the real purpose of this legal campaign is to achieve in court what the association has not yet been able to accomplish in Congress ? to make Internet companies legally responsible for the conduct of individuals who use their systems," the letter proclaims.


8-8-2003 RIAA steps up bid to force BC, MIT to name students

8-8-2003 Judge Rejects Subpoenas in Music-Use Case, Siding With MIT, BC

This is temporary because it simply means that the RIAA will have to spend money and set up shop in each State that just doesn't allow a Bully in Washington DC to do what they please.


7-31-2003 Pac Bell's Internet arm sues music industry over file-sharer IDs

SBC/PacBell is the first ISP to Sue & question RIAA tactics. Was wondering how long before and how many paying customers the ISP's and Telco's in the U.S. could lose before they make a move to stop the RIAA.


7-29-2003 RIAA will take 2191.78 years to sue everyone at 75 per day

The Inquirer assumes that they plan on staying at 75 per day though.

7-22-2003 Boston Colleg & MIT decline to name students in music-use case

The first Universities to not just hand over the information. Fitting that the battle begins in the area of where the U.S.A. was forged.


7-21-2003 Reports say they are up to 75 Subpoenas a day now.

7-20-2003 Now serving 15 Subpoenas a day
RIAA nails 1,000 music-lovers in 'new Prohibition' jihad


7-16-2003 Record Labels Send ISPs Subpoenas in Piracy Battle

7-2-2003 SpeakEasy DSL ISP embraces and endorses Wi-Fi sharing with co-sharing of billing.

SpeakEasy comes up with innovative Wi-Fi Sharing plan

The RIAA could learn from this embracing of technology with innovation and progress instead of digression.

6-30-2003 Busy day today. 7th Court of Appeals rules P2P is illegal and not protected under VCR decision or Photocopiers.
7th Court of Appeals rules P2P is illegal

6-30-2003 Musicians against RIAA tactics Musicians united against RIAA Tactics

6-30-2003 What is the EFF doing for P2P?

6-29-2003 RIAA now encouraging lower CD prices?

I don't have an article for this, it is a personal observation of seeing Pre-Sales advertisements that the Ashanti new CD release due on Tuesday July 1, 2003 is earmarked for $9.99.

This is the day so many people kept telling me "it won't happen", well what do you guys have to say now???

RIAA makes announcement it is going after individuals 6-25-2003

6-25-2003 Recording Industry to Sue Internet Song Swappers

"On a visceral level it doesn't sound like it's the smartest thing to do, but obviously they've done the cost-benefit analysis and they've decided they have to do it," said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, a nonprofit advocacy group.


6-5-2003 Verizon Turns Over Names in Piracy Case

6-4-2003 Verizon to hand names over to RIAA

6-4-2003 Breaking News: Verizon told to reveal P2P Users to RIAA IMMEDIATELY

Here is the latest from the EFF front page

6-4-2003 EFF Statement on Court Order Requiring Verizon to Identify Users Pending Further Rulings

6-4-2003 Court Rejects Request on Alleged Pirates



Verizon given 2 weeks to reveal P2P Users to RIAA

C-Net News.com article on Verizon given 14 days to ID P2P Users to RIAA

The Judge (Bates) says that the RIAA is able to subpoena the subscriber's information under existing copyright law (The DMCA) , even without an open legal case. Verizon contends that the RIAA nee....

Edited for Fair Use excerpt Guidelines

Post Discalimer: All the facts are not here for review and debate as you will have to purchase your own copy (which you are really only renting) from the Copyright Holder in order to fully review and debate the matter at hand.

 

[apoppin]

you ask for the "facts" then IGNORE them.

Typical

Where is the current "best web site" for organizing the RIAA black Fri Boycott?

 

[tm37]

Originally posted by: apoppin
you ask for the "facts" then IGNORE them.

Typical

I will respond to each and everyone of these AGAIN tonight when I have the time.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
9-16-2003 Some musicians say they are beginning to wonder if the actions being taken in their name are a little extreme

Since the Recording Industry Association of America began its campaign against file-sharing services and unauthorized song swapping online in 1999, it has offered one chief justification for its actions: downloading songs is stealing money from the pockets of musicians.

But the musicians themselves have conflicted responses to file sharing and the tactics of the association, a trade group that represents record labels, not the musicians themselves, who have no organization that wields equal power.

"It would be nice if record companies would include artists on these decisions," said Deborah Harry of Blondie.

A few artists, like Metallica and Loudon Wainwright III, have come out strongly in favor of the record industry's crackdown.
At the same time, other influential musicians and groups ? like Moby, System of a Down, Public Enemy, and the Dead ? contend that the record industry's efforts are misguided and that it must work with the new technology instead of against it.

top-selling artists, even those who have been outspoken about embracing new technology, declined to comment on the lawsuits on the record, for fear of upsetting their labels.

Much of the stated concern over file sharing has centered on the revenue that record companies and musicians are losing, but few musicians ever actually receive royalties from their record sales on major labels, which managers say have accounting practices that are badly in need of review.

"I don't have sympathy for the record companies," said Mickey Melchiondo of the rock duo Ween. "They haven't been paying me royalties anyway."

The artists represented by the labels have all signed contracts with those labels, which give the labels as much of a monetary interest in the sale of their music as the artists. The artists are capable of forming their own organization to protect their interests, but they have not. The RIAA's purpose is to protect the labels' interests, and that is what it is doing.

9-9-2003 Mother of 12 Year Old Girl Settles RIAA Piracy Suit for $2,000 same day

"We understand now that file-sharing the music was illegal," Torres said in a statement distributed by the recording industry. "You can be sure Brianna won't be doing it anymore."

Brianna added: "I am sorry for what I have done. I love music and don't want to hurt the artists I love."

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., also alluded to Brianna's case.

"Are you headed to junior high schools to round up the usual suspects?" Durbin asked RIAA President Cary Sherman during a Senate Judiciary hearing.

Sherman responded that most people don't shoplift because they fear they'll be arrested.

"We're trying to let people know they may get caught, therefore they should not engage in this behavior," Sherman said. "Yes, there are going to be some kids caught in this, but you'd be surprised at how many adults are engaged in this activity."

Their admission that what they were doing is illegal is somehow supposed to help your cause? And they settled for a whopping $2000, which is probably far less than the RIAA spent in the process of filing that lawsuit. Yeah, they're terrible, making the poor criminals settle for less than the value of what they stole. Shame on them. In reality, the RIAA just wants us all to know that they CAN and will track down and sue people who break the law. Why are they not within their rights to protect their interests against criminals?

9-9-2003 War on P2P: Congress introduces Legilation to Make File-Sharing a Felony

That 12 year old girl and 71 year old Grandfather could spend up to five years in prison, pay a $250,000 fine for trading a *single* copyrighted song if the Author, Consumer and Computer Owner Protection and Security Act (ACCOPS, HR 2752) is passed by Congress. This is a profoundly wrong-headed approach to file-sharing and it's up to you to stop it. Write your Congressperson today and urge them to stop this unbelievable attack on the American public.

Are you going to have a retroactive protest against the MPAA? Or have you never read that FBI warning at the beginning of every movie? Yeah, probably not. Newsflash - it already IS a felony to trade copyrighted music if more than 10 copies are made and the value is more than $2500. Anyone with a reasonable number of Mp3s who has had them shared on Kazaa long enough to be downloaded already fits that description. So what's new? Other than that you're using the same scare tactics that you accuse the RIAA of using. Do you not realize those are the MAXIMUM penalties? The actual penalty would be determined by a judge, and would depend on the magnitude of the violation. Worst case you're probably looking at a suspended sentence and a fine for doing something you KNOW is illegal in plain view. The maximum penalty is meant to be a deterrent.

9-9-2003 12-Year-Old Sued for Music Downloading

Brianna was among 261 people sued for copying thousands of songs via popular Internet file-sharing software ? and thousands more suits could be on the way.

"Nobody likes playing the heavy and having to resort to litigation," said Cary Sherman, the RIAA's president. "But when your product is being regularly stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action."

Couldn't agree more. When your product is being regularly stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action. Not sure how you can argue with that one.

71 Year Old Grandfather sued by RIAA, says he hardly uses the Computer Grandkids use it.

Durwood Pickle, 71, of Richardson, Texas, said his teenage grandchildren downloaded music onto his computer during their visits to his home. He said his grown son had explained the situation in an earlier e-mail to the recording industry association.

Maybe we should all listen to David Schwimmer and know what our kids are doing on the Internet. And educate them about the legality of trading music.

9-8-2003 RIAA Declares D-Day

Record Industry Sues Music File Swappers

The recording industry filed hundreds of lawsuits Monday against individual music lovers, accusing them of illegally downloading and sharing songs over the Internet

The industry in recent weeks also has served subpoenas on at least 10 universities in an effort to identify individual file-swappers.

Good for them. I'm still not seeing how what they're doing is so terrible. ?

9-6-2003 Members here looking to organize Black Friday RIAA Boycott and Protest - Keep checking here for Updates...

Woohoo.

9-5-2003 RIAA Unveils Amnesty Offer

For people who admit they illegally share music files across the Internet, promising not to sue them in exchange for their admission and pledge to delete the songs off their computers.

"It will be an interesting measure of how much fear the recording industry has managed to inject into the American public."
said Fred von Lohmann, a lawyer for the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, who has criticized the RIAA's use of copyright subpoenas. "I'll be curious to see how many opt for this."

So wait... they're offering to let you off... free and clear - and all you have to do is stop breaking the law? Wow. Those bastards. How dare they.

9-4-2003 Even bigger news in the maybe they have a clue Dept:

World's largest record Company claims they only make 91 cents on a CD

Universal Music to Cut CD Prices to Under $13

"We expect this will invigorate the music market in North America," said Doug Morris, the label's chief executive. "This will allow retailers (to sell) for $10 or less if they so choose."

"Wholesale prices for CDs would decline to $9.09 from $12.02. For a handful of bigger name artists, wholesale prices would be $10.10 for a short period of time..."


So they still expect the public to believe they will only make 91 cents on a CD?

It is not outside the realm of possibility. Perhaps the artists are getting less now too. Maybe they're cutting costs. Who knows. These are publically traded companies right? Why don't you look at their financial reports and sales numbers before you accuse them of anything? Even if they do make more than 91 cents a CD... is that really that wrong? They're in business to make money, not to provide you with free music.

9-4-2003 Man tests Property rights in the Digital Age, tries to sell .99 cent Apple iTunes song he bought on EBay.

Says he will not keep a copy. Also said he will give the proceeds of the Sale to the EFF.

Bidding now up to $300

Value is at least $150,000 since the RIAA says that is how much each song is worth.

Does the Right of First Sale Still Exist?

Discussion on /.
Testing The Right To Resell Downloaded Music

You seem to have stumbled on the alarming fact that the Internet and digital media open a whole new can of worms concerning property rights. Here's a thought. When you buy intellectual property, you are not buying the intellectual property itself, you are buying rights to it. The IP owner sets the terms and conditions of your rights to the property. You have two choices - play by their rules, or don't buy it. Take your pick. Believe it or not, they're not OUT to trample your rights. They're out to protect their own rights. Like I have said several times, you don't have the RIAA to blame for that - you have pirates to blame for forcing them to take the actions they have taken. What's funny is that were it not for programs like Napster and Kazaa that made it EASY to trade Mp3s, as well as the fact that every idiot and his inbred brother has found their way onto the Internet in the last few years, none of this would have ever happened. Back when you actually had to work to find the songs you wanted, when it was just a relatively small number of nerds trading mp3s, when burners were rare and expensive, this would have never happened. Thank technology.

9-3-2003 Research Group predicts end of CD's and DVD's

Virtual Delivery Seen as Death to Discs

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Hollywood will win the war against illegal downloading but the battlefield will be littered with casualties, including the DVD and CD formats as physical means of distributing video and audio, according to a Forrester Research study released Tuesday.

The study predicts that in five years, CDs and DVDs will start to go the way of the vinyl LP as 33% of music sales and 19% of home video revenue shifts to streaming and downloading....

I'll have Internet capable of streaming music into my car in the next 5 years? Dang, and my cable company doesn't even plan to put two-way cable modem into my area for at least another year. Regardless, this is not at all relevant to whether or not the RIAA is right to attempt to prevent ILLEGAL copying of their music. The "streaming and downloading" they're talking about would obviously be through legal means. You are all saying that the RIAA is doing everything they can to stop technology, or avoid embracing new technology, and that's why you're boycotting them. BULL. Music is already being sold via the Internet - iTunes and buymusic.com. They're trying to quash the ILLEGAL USE OF technology to steal their music.

Ruling may affect RIAA/MPAA pursuits against Internet Users

9-3-2003 Court: ISP subpoenas a 'grave' matter

"The subpoena power is a substantial delegation of authority to private parties, and those who invoke it have a grave responsibility to ensure it is not abused," said Judge Alex Kozinski.

This case is not related to the RIAA Vs Verizon or SBC cases, however legal experts say this ruling may eventually apply to the tactics being used by the RIAA/MPAA.

In the case that led to last week's ruling, an attorney obtained 339 e-mail messages--including personal communications and mail that had no relevance to the lawsuit--from the ISP, NetGate.

The panel ruled that the attorney had violated two federal laws: the Stored Communications Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The Stored Communications Act "reflects Congress' judgment that users have a legitimate interest in the confidentiality of communications in electronic storage at a communications facility.

"Just as trespass protects those who rent space from a commercial storage facility to hold sensitive documents, the Act protects users whose electronic communications are in electronic storage with an ISP or other electronic communications facility."

The judge said your private communications are private. That is good. The judge said that subpoena power should not be abused. That is good. If there comes a time when it IS abused, it would certainly end up in court, and I'm certain the ACLU would be footing the legal bill. So far though, it has only been used to obtain the names of known criminals (traders).

9-3-2003 Copy protected CDs illegal in France? Not quite

French Woman wins Lawsuit against Copyprotected CD's that don't work in all Players.

A Nanterre court has ordered the music label to refund a woman who could not play her new Alain Souchon CD on her car CD player. Alternatively, EMI is to provide a full-working copy. The ruling applies to all people who have bought CDs which they cannot play on some CD players, computers and Walkmans.

But EMI was not forbidden by the court to sell copyright protected CDs per se, merely that it must not sell defective CDs. So it appears like it could be back to the drawing board for the anti-piracy measures it uses.

That's great. The courts ruled against the label. Why do you have so little confidence in our justice system that you think the RIAA will be able to run rampant and no one will stop them? Look - they DID! As you pointed out though, they were not forbidden from selling copy-protected CDs. No big surprise. DVDs are already copy-protected.

8-28-2003 RIAA files Court case against "Jane Doe" Brooklyn New York Verizon customer

The RIAA in examining her Computer using FBI Forensic programs by remote control claim that the files on her Computer date back to Napster.

"The 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (news - web sites) permits music companies to force Internet providers to turn over the names of suspected music pirates upon subpoena from any U.S. District Court clerk's office, without a judge's signature required.

The RIAA has said it expects to file at least several hundred lawsuits seeking financial damages as early as next month. U.S. copyright laws allow for damages of $750 to $150,000 for each song offered illegally on a person's computer, but the RIAA has said it would be open to settlement proposals from defendants.

The campaign comes just weeks after U.S. appeals court rulings requiring Internet providers to readily identify subscribers suspected of illegally sharing music and movie files."

Document not found. I'd have liked to have had more background on how the RIAA came to examine her computer using FBI forensic programs by remote control.

8-26-2003 Websites begin ISP Subpoena's to identify people that surf their site

Thanks to the RIAA's and the Legal system's destruction of due process exploitation will now commence to new levels.

Isn't due process a protection in criminal law? The RIAA is handling this in civil court. You don't get the same protections in civil court. And honestly, I'm sick and tired of people claiming about their privacy being violated. EVERY time the issue of privacy comes up, it is in relation to people being able to break the law without being caught.

8-24-2003 EFF RIAA Subpoena database - Put in your address to see if you & your ISP has been subpoena'd for prosecution

8-22-2003 File swapper fights RIAA subpoena

Good detailed discussion from SlashDot
Anonymous User Challenges RIAA Subpoena

8-11-2003 NetCoalition Sends Letter to RIAA Requesting Answers about Subpoena Initiative

"There are understandable fears among many in the Internet community that the real purpose of this legal campaign is to achieve in court what the association has not yet been able to accomplish in Congress ? to make Internet companies legally responsible for the conduct of individuals who use their systems," the letter proclaims.

It seems so far like the RIAA is going after the traders, NOT their ISPs. They have sent letters to universities asking them to crack down on illegal trading, but not ISPs.

8-8-2003 RIAA steps up bid to force BC, MIT to name students

8-8-2003 Judge Rejects Subpoenas in Music-Use Case, Siding With MIT, BC

This is temporary because it simply means that the RIAA will have to spend money and set up shop in each State that just doesn't allow a Bully in Washington DC to do what they please.

I'd say a large percentage of the people on this forum work in an industry that on some level lobbies the government. But as soon as someone starts doing it to try to PREVENT law-breaking, well we just have to piss and moan about that.

7-31-2003 Pac Bell's Internet arm sues music industry over file-sharer IDs

SBC/PacBell is the first ISP to Sue & question RIAA tactics. Was wondering how long before and how many paying customers the ISP's and Telco's in the U.S. could lose before they make a move to stop the RIAA.

I believe you mean paying criminals. The RIAA's tacticts only affect criminals. You boycott supporters all seem to be missing that.

7-29-2003 RIAA will take 2191.78 years to sue everyone at 75 per day

The Inquirer assumes that they plan on staying at 75 per day though.

Well right there you have a good indication that they're doing this only as a show of force, to DETER people from breaking the law. I'm certain that at some point they'll stop going after the actual criminals and start using their power to attack innocent people for no apparant reason.

By the way, those numbers really put into perspective HOW BIG the problem is. And you're still taking the side of the criminals? Wow.

7-22-2003 Boston Colleg & MIT decline to name students in music-use case

The first Universities to not just hand over the information. Fitting that the battle begins in the area of where the U.S.A. was forged.

OK, quit the BS about how you're all patriots for standing up against the oppressive music labels. The "greatest generation" stood up against the Nazis and won. The "whiny bitchy generation" is taking a stand against... the MUSIC INDUSTRY. Only time will tell the outcome of this epic battle.

7-21-2003 Reports say they are up to 75 Subpoenas a day now.

7-20-2003 Now serving 15 Subpoenas a day
RIAA nails 1,000 music-lovers in 'new Prohibition' jihad

That's a big jump. Go get 'em RIAA, nail those criminals.

7-16-2003 Record Labels Send ISPs Subpoenas in Piracy Battle

7-2-2003 SpeakEasy DSL ISP embraces and endorses Wi-Fi sharing with co-sharing of billing.

SpeakEasy comes up with innovative Wi-Fi Sharing plan

The RIAA could learn from this embracing of technology with innovation and progress instead of digression.

The RIAA can embrace or not embrace whatever the hell they want, that DOES NOT GIVE PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO STEAL THEIR PRODUCTS.

6-30-2003 Busy day today. 7th Court of Appeals rules P2P is illegal and not protected under VCR decision or Photocopiers.
7th Court of Appeals rules P2P is illegal

I don't have Acrobat installed on this computer, so I can't read that link. But I suspect that they did not actually rule P2P technology illegal, but rather using P2P to trade copyrighted materials? Granted, P2P would die if it weren't used to trade copyrighted materials, so they might as well rule the technology illegal.

6-30-2003 Musicians against RIAA tactics Musicians united against RIAA Tactics

6-30-2003 What is the EFF doing for P2P?

6-29-2003 RIAA now encouraging lower CD prices?

I don't have an article for this, it is a personal observation of seeing Pre-Sales advertisements that the Ashanti new CD release due on Tuesday July 1, 2003 is earmarked for $9.99.

This is the day so many people kept telling me "it won't happen", well what do you guys have to say now???

They lowered prices. Are they really that bad? Buy your music at Circuit City or Best Buy, they have good prices. Or iTunes or BuyMusic.com if you only want one song.

RIAA makes announcement it is going after individuals 6-25-2003

6-25-2003 Recording Industry to Sue Internet Song Swappers

"On a visceral level it doesn't sound like it's the smartest thing to do, but obviously they've done the cost-benefit analysis and they've decided they have to do it," said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, a nonprofit advocacy group.

Yeah - obviously the "benefit" they're after is not the money they make from the lawsuits (they'll surely lose money on the lawsuits), but rather people actually paying for their music rather than stealing it.

6-5-2003 Verizon Turns Over Names in Piracy Case

6-4-2003 Verizon to hand names over to RIAA

6-4-2003 Breaking News: Verizon told to reveal P2P Users to RIAA IMMEDIATELY

Here is the latest from the EFF front page

6-4-2003 EFF Statement on Court Order Requiring Verizon to Identify Users Pending Further Rulings

6-4-2003 Court Rejects Request on Alleged Pirates



Verizon given 2 weeks to reveal P2P Users to RIAA

C-Net News.com article on Verizon given 14 days to ID P2P Users to RIAA

The Judge (Bates) says that the RIAA is able to subpoena the subscriber's information under existing copyright law (The DMCA) , even without an open legal case. Verizon contends that the RIAA nee....

Neeeeeeeeeee. Judge said it's ok. Would you all quit pissing and moaning about this if it made it to the supreme court? Because I don't doubt that at some point in the near future, the supremes will be hearing a case somehow related to this.

Edited for Fair Use excerpt Guidelines

Post Discalimer: All the facts are not here for review and debate as you will have to purchase your own copy (which you are really only renting) from the Copyright Holder in order to fully review and debate the matter at hand.

Ah crap, I debated them without permission. So sue me. (You see, I said that in jest; I know they won't sue me, because I'm not PARANOID and untrusting of corporations)

You failed to explain how any of this will negatively affect people who do not steal music, or who do not take the RIAA up on their offer of amnesty.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: mugsywwiii

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
9-16-2003 Some musicians say they are beginning to wonder if the actions being taken in their name are a little extreme

Since the Recording Industry Association of America began its campaign against file-sharing services and unauthorized song swapping online in 1999, it has offered one chief justification for its actions: downloading songs is stealing money from the pockets of musicians.

But the musicians themselves have conflicted responses to file sharing and the tactics of the association, a trade group that represents record labels, not the musicians themselves, who have no organization that wields equal power.

"It would be nice if record companies would include artists on these decisions," said Deborah Harry of Blondie.

A few artists, like Metallica and Loudon Wainwright III, have come out strongly in favor of the record industry's crackdown.
At the same time, other influential musicians and groups ? like Moby, System of a Down, Public Enemy, and the Dead ? contend that the record industry's efforts are misguided and that it must work with the new technology instead of against it.

top-selling artists, even those who have been outspoken about embracing new technology, declined to comment on the lawsuits on the record, for fear of upsetting their labels.

Much of the stated concern over file sharing has centered on the revenue that record companies and musicians are losing, but few musicians ever actually receive royalties from their record sales on major labels, which managers say have accounting practices that are badly in need of review.

"I don't have sympathy for the record companies," said Mickey Melchiondo of the rock duo Ween. "They haven't been paying me royalties anyway."

The artists represented by the labels have all signed contracts with those labels, which give the labels as much of a monetary interest in the sale of their music as the artists. The artists are capable of forming their own organization to protect their interests, but they have not. The RIAA's purpose is to protect the labels' interests, and that is what it is doing.

9-9-2003 Mother of 12 Year Old Girl Settles RIAA Piracy Suit for $2,000 same day

"We understand now that file-sharing the music was illegal," Torres said in a statement distributed by the recording industry. "You can be sure Brianna won't be doing it anymore."

Brianna added: "I am sorry for what I have done. I love music and don't want to hurt the artists I love."

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., also alluded to Brianna's case.

"Are you headed to junior high schools to round up the usual suspects?" Durbin asked RIAA President Cary Sherman during a Senate Judiciary hearing.

Sherman responded that most people don't shoplift because they fear they'll be arrested.

"We're trying to let people know they may get caught, therefore they should not engage in this behavior," Sherman said. "Yes, there are going to be some kids caught in this, but you'd be surprised at how many adults are engaged in this activity."

Their admission that what they were doing is illegal is somehow supposed to help your cause? And they settled for a whopping $2000, which is probably far less than the RIAA spent in the process of filing that lawsuit. Yeah, they're terrible, making the poor criminals settle for less than the value of what they stole. Shame on them. In reality, the RIAA just wants us all to know that they CAN and will track down and sue people who break the law. Why are they not within their rights to protect their interests against criminals?

9-9-2003 War on P2P: Congress introduces Legilation to Make File-Sharing a Felony

That 12 year old girl and 71 year old Grandfather could spend up to five years in prison, pay a $250,000 fine for trading a *single* copyrighted song if the Author, Consumer and Computer Owner Protection and Security Act (ACCOPS, HR 2752) is passed by Congress. This is a profoundly wrong-headed approach to file-sharing and it's up to you to stop it. Write your Congressperson today and urge them to stop this unbelievable attack on the American public.

Are you going to have a retroactive protest against the MPAA? Or have you never read that FBI warning at the beginning of every movie? Yeah, probably not. Newsflash - it already IS a felony to trade copyrighted music if more than 10 copies are made and the value is more than $2500. Anyone with a reasonable number of Mp3s who has had them shared on Kazaa long enough to be downloaded already fits that description. So what's new? Other than that you're using the same scare tactics that you accuse the RIAA of using. Do you not realize those are the MAXIMUM penalties? The actual penalty would be determined by a judge, and would depend on the magnitude of the violation. Worst case you're probably looking at a suspended sentence and a fine for doing something you KNOW is illegal in plain view. The maximum penalty is meant to be a deterrent.

9-9-2003 12-Year-Old Sued for Music Downloading

Brianna was among 261 people sued for copying thousands of songs via popular Internet file-sharing software ? and thousands more suits could be on the way.

"Nobody likes playing the heavy and having to resort to litigation," said Cary Sherman, the RIAA's president. "But when your product is being regularly stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action."

Couldn't agree more. When your product is being regularly stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action. Not sure how you can argue with that one.

71 Year Old Grandfather sued by RIAA, says he hardly uses the Computer Grandkids use it.

Durwood Pickle, 71, of Richardson, Texas, said his teenage grandchildren downloaded music onto his computer during their visits to his home. He said his grown son had explained the situation in an earlier e-mail to the recording industry association.

Maybe we should all listen to David Schwimmer and know what our kids are doing on the Internet. And educate them about the legality of trading music.

9-8-2003 RIAA Declares D-Day

Record Industry Sues Music File Swappers

The recording industry filed hundreds of lawsuits Monday against individual music lovers, accusing them of illegally downloading and sharing songs over the Internet

The industry in recent weeks also has served subpoenas on at least 10 universities in an effort to identify individual file-swappers.

Good for them. I'm still not seeing how what they're doing is so terrible. ?

9-6-2003 Members here looking to organize Black Friday RIAA Boycott and Protest - Keep checking here for Updates...

Woohoo.

9-5-2003 RIAA Unveils Amnesty Offer

For people who admit they illegally share music files across the Internet, promising not to sue them in exchange for their admission and pledge to delete the songs off their computers.

"It will be an interesting measure of how much fear the recording industry has managed to inject into the American public."
said Fred von Lohmann, a lawyer for the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, who has criticized the RIAA's use of copyright subpoenas. "I'll be curious to see how many opt for this."

So wait... they're offering to let you off... free and clear - and all you have to do is stop breaking the law? Wow. Those bastards. How dare they.

9-4-2003 Even bigger news in the maybe they have a clue Dept:

World's largest record Company claims they only make 91 cents on a CD

Universal Music to Cut CD Prices to Under $13

"We expect this will invigorate the music market in North America," said Doug Morris, the label's chief executive. "This will allow retailers (to sell) for $10 or less if they so choose."

"Wholesale prices for CDs would decline to $9.09 from $12.02. For a handful of bigger name artists, wholesale prices would be $10.10 for a short period of time..."


So they still expect the public to believe they will only make 91 cents on a CD?

It is not outside the realm of possibility. Perhaps the artists are getting less now too. Maybe they're cutting costs. Who knows. These are publically traded companies right? Why don't you look at their financial reports and sales numbers before you accuse them of anything? Even if they do make more than 91 cents a CD... is that really that wrong? They're in business to make money, not to provide you with free music.

9-4-2003 Man tests Property rights in the Digital Age, tries to sell .99 cent Apple iTunes song he bought on EBay.

Says he will not keep a copy. Also said he will give the proceeds of the Sale to the EFF.

Bidding now up to $300

Value is at least $150,000 since the RIAA says that is how much each song is worth.

Does the Right of First Sale Still Exist?

Discussion on /.
Testing The Right To Resell Downloaded Music

You seem to have stumbled on the alarming fact that the Internet and digital media open a whole new can of worms concerning property rights. Here's a thought. When you buy intellectual property, you are not buying the intellectual property itself, you are buying rights to it. The IP owner sets the terms and conditions of your rights to the property. You have two choices - play by their rules, or don't buy it. Take your pick. Believe it or not, they're not OUT to trample your rights. They're out to protect their own rights. Like I have said several times, you don't have the RIAA to blame for that - you have pirates to blame for forcing them to take the actions they have taken. What's funny is that were it not for programs like Napster and Kazaa that made it EASY to trade Mp3s, as well as the fact that every idiot and his inbred brother has found their way onto the Internet in the last few years, none of this would have ever happened. Back when you actually had to work to find the songs you wanted, when it was just a relatively small number of nerds trading mp3s, when burners were rare and expensive, this would have never happened. Thank technology.

9-3-2003 Research Group predicts end of CD's and DVD's

Virtual Delivery Seen as Death to Discs

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Hollywood will win the war against illegal downloading but the battlefield will be littered with casualties, including the DVD and CD formats as physical means of distributing video and audio, according to a Forrester Research study released Tuesday.

The study predicts that in five years, CDs and DVDs will start to go the way of the vinyl LP as 33% of music sales and 19% of home video revenue shifts to streaming and downloading....

I'll have Internet capable of streaming music into my car in the next 5 years? Dang, and my cable company doesn't even plan to put two-way cable modem into my area for at least another year. Regardless, this is not at all relevant to whether or not the RIAA is right to attempt to prevent ILLEGAL copying of their music. The "streaming and downloading" they're talking about would obviously be through legal means. You are all saying that the RIAA is doing everything they can to stop technology, or avoid embracing new technology, and that's why you're boycotting them. BULL. Music is already being sold via the Internet - iTunes and buymusic.com. They're trying to quash the ILLEGAL USE OF technology to steal their music.

Ruling may affect RIAA/MPAA pursuits against Internet Users

9-3-2003 Court: ISP subpoenas a 'grave' matter

"The subpoena power is a substantial delegation of authority to private parties, and those who invoke it have a grave responsibility to ensure it is not abused," said Judge Alex Kozinski.

This case is not related to the RIAA Vs Verizon or SBC cases, however legal experts say this ruling may eventually apply to the tactics being used by the RIAA/MPAA.

In the case that led to last week's ruling, an attorney obtained 339 e-mail messages--including personal communications and mail that had no relevance to the lawsuit--from the ISP, NetGate.

The panel ruled that the attorney had violated two federal laws: the Stored Communications Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The Stored Communications Act "reflects Congress' judgment that users have a legitimate interest in the confidentiality of communications in electronic storage at a communications facility.

"Just as trespass protects those who rent space from a commercial storage facility to hold sensitive documents, the Act protects users whose electronic communications are in electronic storage with an ISP or other electronic communications facility."

The judge said your private communications are private. That is good. The judge said that subpoena power should not be abused. That is good. If there comes a time when it IS abused, it would certainly end up in court, and I'm certain the ACLU would be footing the legal bill. So far though, it has only been used to obtain the names of known criminals (traders).

9-3-2003 Copy protected CDs illegal in France? Not quite

French Woman wins Lawsuit against Copyprotected CD's that don't work in all Players.

A Nanterre court has ordered the music label to refund a woman who could not play her new Alain Souchon CD on her car CD player. Alternatively, EMI is to provide a full-working copy. The ruling applies to all people who have bought CDs which they cannot play on some CD players, computers and Walkmans.

But EMI was not forbidden by the court to sell copyright protected CDs per se, merely that it must not sell defective CDs. So it appears like it could be back to the drawing board for the anti-piracy measures it uses.

That's great. The courts ruled against the label. Why do you have so little confidence in our justice system that you think the RIAA will be able to run rampant and no one will stop them? Look - they DID! As you pointed out though, they were not forbidden from selling copy-protected CDs. No big surprise. DVDs are already copy-protected.

8-28-2003 RIAA files Court case against "Jane Doe" Brooklyn New York Verizon customer

The RIAA in examining her Computer using FBI Forensic programs by remote control claim that the files on her Computer date back to Napster.

"The 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (news - web sites) permits music companies to force Internet providers to turn over the names of suspected music pirates upon subpoena from any U.S. District Court clerk's office, without a judge's signature required.

The RIAA has said it expects to file at least several hundred lawsuits seeking financial damages as early as next month. U.S. copyright laws allow for damages of $750 to $150,000 for each song offered illegally on a person's computer, but the RIAA has said it would be open to settlement proposals from defendants.

The campaign comes just weeks after U.S. appeals court rulings requiring Internet providers to readily identify subscribers suspected of illegally sharing music and movie files."

Document not found. I'd have liked to have had more background on how the RIAA came to examine her computer using FBI forensic programs by remote control.

8-26-2003 Websites begin ISP Subpoena's to identify people that surf their site

Thanks to the RIAA's and the Legal system's destruction of due process exploitation will now commence to new levels.

Isn't due process a protection in criminal law? The RIAA is handling this in civil court. You don't get the same protections in civil court. And honestly, I'm sick and tired of people claiming about their privacy being violated. EVERY time the issue of privacy comes up, it is in relation to people being able to break the law without being caught.

8-24-2003 EFF RIAA Subpoena database - Put in your address to see if you & your ISP has been subpoena'd for prosecution

8-22-2003 File swapper fights RIAA subpoena

Good detailed discussion from SlashDot
Anonymous User Challenges RIAA Subpoena

8-11-2003 NetCoalition Sends Letter to RIAA Requesting Answers about Subpoena Initiative

"There are understandable fears among many in the Internet community that the real purpose of this legal campaign is to achieve in court what the association has not yet been able to accomplish in Congress ? to make Internet companies legally responsible for the conduct of individuals who use their systems," the letter proclaims.

It seems so far like the RIAA is going after the traders, NOT their ISPs. They have sent letters to universities asking them to crack down on illegal trading, but not ISPs.

8-8-2003 RIAA steps up bid to force BC, MIT to name students

8-8-2003 Judge Rejects Subpoenas in Music-Use Case, Siding With MIT, BC

This is temporary because it simply means that the RIAA will have to spend money and set up shop in each State that just doesn't allow a Bully in Washington DC to do what they please.

I'd say a large percentage of the people on this forum work in an industry that on some level lobbies the government. But as soon as someone starts doing it to try to PREVENT law-breaking, well we just have to piss and moan about that.

7-31-2003 Pac Bell's Internet arm sues music industry over file-sharer IDs

SBC/PacBell is the first ISP to Sue & question RIAA tactics. Was wondering how long before and how many paying customers the ISP's and Telco's in the U.S. could lose before they make a move to stop the RIAA.

I believe you mean paying criminals. The RIAA's tacticts only affect criminals. You boycott supporters all seem to be missing that.

7-29-2003 RIAA will take 2191.78 years to sue everyone at 75 per day

The Inquirer assumes that they plan on staying at 75 per day though.

Well right there you have a good indication that they're doing this only as a show of force, to DETER people from breaking the law. I'm certain that at some point they'll stop going after the actual criminals and start using their power to attack innocent people for no apparant reason.

By the way, those numbers really put into perspective HOW BIG the problem is. And you're still taking the side of the criminals? Wow.

7-22-2003 Boston Colleg & MIT decline to name students in music-use case

The first Universities to not just hand over the information. Fitting that the battle begins in the area of where the U.S.A. was forged.

OK, quit the BS about how you're all patriots for standing up against the oppressive music labels. The "greatest generation" stood up against the Nazis and won. The "whiny bitchy generation" is taking a stand against... the MUSIC INDUSTRY. Only time will tell the outcome of this epic battle.

7-21-2003 Reports say they are up to 75 Subpoenas a day now.

7-20-2003 Now serving 15 Subpoenas a day
RIAA nails 1,000 music-lovers in 'new Prohibition' jihad

That's a big jump. Go get 'em RIAA, nail those criminals.

7-16-2003 Record Labels Send ISPs Subpoenas in Piracy Battle

7-2-2003 SpeakEasy DSL ISP embraces and endorses Wi-Fi sharing with co-sharing of billing.

SpeakEasy comes up with innovative Wi-Fi Sharing plan

The RIAA could learn from this embracing of technology with innovation and progress instead of digression.

The RIAA can embrace or not embrace whatever the hell they want, that DOES NOT GIVE PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO STEAL THEIR PRODUCTS.

6-30-2003 Busy day today. 7th Court of Appeals rules P2P is illegal and not protected under VCR decision or Photocopiers.
7th Court of Appeals rules P2P is illegal

I don't have Acrobat installed on this computer, so I can't read that link. But I suspect that they did not actually rule P2P technology illegal, but rather using P2P to trade copyrighted materials? Granted, P2P would die if it weren't used to trade copyrighted materials, so they might as well rule the technology illegal.

6-30-2003 Musicians against RIAA tactics Musicians united against RIAA Tactics

6-30-2003 What is the EFF doing for P2P?

6-29-2003 RIAA now encouraging lower CD prices?

I don't have an article for this, it is a personal observation of seeing Pre-Sales advertisements that the Ashanti new CD release due on Tuesday July 1, 2003 is earmarked for $9.99.

This is the day so many people kept telling me "it won't happen", well what do you guys have to say now???

They lowered prices. Are they really that bad? Buy your music at Circuit City or Best Buy, they have good prices. Or iTunes or BuyMusic.com if you only want one song.

RIAA makes announcement it is going after individuals 6-25-2003

6-25-2003 Recording Industry to Sue Internet Song Swappers

"On a visceral level it doesn't sound like it's the smartest thing to do, but obviously they've done the cost-benefit analysis and they've decided they have to do it," said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, a nonprofit advocacy group.

Yeah - obviously the "benefit" they're after is not the money they make from the lawsuits (they'll surely lose money on the lawsuits), but rather people actually paying for their music rather than stealing it.

6-5-2003 Verizon Turns Over Names in Piracy Case

6-4-2003 Verizon to hand names over to RIAA

6-4-2003 Breaking News: Verizon told to reveal P2P Users to RIAA IMMEDIATELY

Here is the latest from the EFF front page

6-4-2003 EFF Statement on Court Order Requiring Verizon to Identify Users Pending Further Rulings

6-4-2003 Court Rejects Request on Alleged Pirates



Verizon given 2 weeks to reveal P2P Users to RIAA

C-Net News.com article on Verizon given 14 days to ID P2P Users to RIAA

The Judge (Bates) says that the RIAA is able to subpoena the subscriber's information under existing copyright law (The DMCA) , even without an open legal case. Verizon contends that the RIAA nee....

Neeeeeeeeeee. Judge said it's ok. Would you all quit pissing and moaning about this if it made it to the supreme court? Because I don't doubt that at some point in the near future, the supremes will be hearing a case somehow related to this.

Edited for Fair Use excerpt Guidelines

Post Discalimer: All the facts are not here for review and debate as you will have to purchase your own copy (which you are really only renting) from the Copyright Holder in order to fully review and debate the matter at hand.

Ah crap, I debated them without permission. So sue me. (You see, I said that in jest; I know they won't sue me, because I'm not PARANOID and untrusting of corporations)

You failed to explain how any of this will negatively affect people who do not steal music, or who do not take the RIAA up on their offer of amnesty.

"Granted, P2P would die if it weren't used to trade copyrighted materials, so they might as well rule the technology illegal."

Out of all your arguing point by point, this statement sums up the danger. THIS IS THE REASON FOR THE PROTESTING!!!!!!!!

Guess all knives and guns are only used to kill people too and should be illegal as well.

Has the Elevator reached the top floor yet???

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

"Granted, P2P would die if it weren't used to trade copyrighted materials, so they might as well rule the technology illegal."

Out of all your arguing point by point,

Had to do something to get poppin' fresh to post a substantive argument instead of this timeline that doesn't show that the RIAA is being allowed to do anything illegal.

this statement sums up the danger. THIS IS THE REASON FOR THE PROTESTING!!!!!!!!

Well then how about we read my statement and break it down and try to interpret it, alright? "P2P would die if it weren't used to trade copyrighted materials [illegally]." I put the illegally in there because it was implied, but not stated directly in the original post. I hope you understood that it was implied. So what that means is, I believe that P2P sharing applications would (or could) die (or suffer a tremendous loss in users) if its usage to violate copyrights was taken away. Now, trading copyrighted music IS illegal, so it is appropriate to prevent people from using P2P technology to break the law. Surely you can't be suggesting that. Now, IF a product like Kazaa is used almost entirely to break the law, and the victims of that law-breaking started to crack down on the law-breaking, and that crackdown caused Kazaa to lose users for fear of being caught in their law-breaking, whose fault is that? You apparantly blame the RIAA for this. "So they might as well rule the technology illegal." OK, you see I didn't read the court's ruling, because I could not read the PDF file on this computer. What I was saying is that I doubt they actually said the technology itself is illegal; if they had, I'm sure you would have corrected me. What I'm saying is they might as well have. Meaning that because 99% of Kazaa's usage is illegitimate, and the RIAA is trying to take away 99% of what it is used for (and rightfully so), the net effect is the same. Yeah, P2P can still be used to exchange information that is not copyrighted, or that is protected with DRM (as it already is to a small extent). But since most of their users aren't willing to PAY for their music, and they don't want public domain materials, Kazaa could very well die. It probably won't though, because it'll still be used to trade porn and warez.

Guess all knives and guns are only used to kill people too and should be illegal as well.

See, I wasn't saying that P2P's ONLY usage was for illegal trading, and I didn't say it SHOULD be illegal. Granted that's pretty much all it's used for right now, but it could very well be used to exchange all sorts of information. Sort of like the web, and before that Gopher.

Has the Elevator reached the top floor yet???

Thank you for your valuable contribution to this discussion.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: mugsywwiii

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

"Granted, P2P would die if it weren't used to trade copyrighted materials, so they might as well rule the technology illegal."

Out of all your arguing point by point,

Had to do something to get poppin' fresh to post a substantive argument instead of this timeline that doesn't show that the RIAA is being allowed to do anything illegal.

this statement sums up the danger. THIS IS THE REASON FOR THE PROTESTING!!!!!!!!

Well then how about we read my statement and break it down and try to interpret it, alright? "P2P would die if it weren't used to trade copyrighted materials [illegally]." I put the illegally in there because it was implied, but not stated directly in the original post. I hope you understood that it was implied. So what that means is, I believe that P2P sharing applications would (or could) die (or suffer a tremendous loss in users) if its usage to violate copyrights was taken away. Now, trading copyrighted music IS illegal, so it is appropriate to prevent people from using P2P technology to break the law. Surely you can't be suggesting that. Now, IF a product like Kazaa is used almost entirely to break the law, and the victims of that law-breaking started to crack down on the law-breaking, and that crackdown caused Kazaa to lose users for fear of being caught in their law-breaking, whose fault is that? You apparantly blame the RIAA for this. "So they might as well rule the technology illegal." OK, you see I didn't read the court's ruling, because I could not read the PDF file on this computer. What I was saying is that I doubt they actually said the technology itself is illegal; if they had, I'm sure you would have corrected me. What I'm saying is they might as well have. Meaning that because 99% of Kazaa's usage is illegitimate, and the RIAA is trying to take away 99% of what it is used for (and rightfully so), the net effect is the same. Yeah, P2P can still be used to exchange information that is not copyrighted, or that is protected with DRM (as it already is to a small extent). But since most of their users aren't willing to PAY for their music, and they don't want public domain materials, Kazaa could very well die. It probably won't though, because it'll still be used to trade porn and warez.

Guess all knives and guns are only used to kill people too and should be illegal as well.

See, I wasn't saying that P2P's ONLY usage was for illegal trading, and I didn't say it SHOULD be illegal. Granted that's pretty much all it's used for right now, but it could very well be used to exchange all sorts of information. Sort of like the web, and before that Gopher.

Has the Elevator reached the top floor yet???

Thank you for your valuable contribution to this discussion.

You work for the RIAA, right?

You sound just like them.

I'd like to comment further but I just got my notebook out of the freezer to do some online banking - the HD is almost dead . . . . AND my desktop MB suffered a meltdown.

So . . . I'll be back


after much work and money and an upgrade

Boycott's still on, right?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: apoppin
You work for the RIAA, right?

Nope.

You sound just like them.

Probably because I plan to work in an industry that has been the victim of piracy for a lot longer than the recording industry (computer software).

I'd like to comment further but I just got my notebook out of the freezer to do some online banking - the HD is almost dead . . . . AND my desktop MB suffered a meltdown.

Same here... that's why I couldn't read those PDF files. Maybe the RIAA is remotely frying our motherboards...

Boycott's still on, right?

Last I checked.

 

[Red Dawn]

MP3s Are Not the Devil

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: mugsywwiii

Originally posted by: apoppin
You work for the RIAA, right?

Nope.

You sound just like them.

Probably because I plan to work in an industry that has been the victim of piracy for a lot longer than the recording industry (computer software).

I'd like to comment further but I just got my notebook out of the freezer to do some online banking - the HD is almost dead . . . . AND my desktop MB suffered a meltdown.

Same here... that's why I couldn't read those PDF files. Maybe the RIAA is remotely frying our motherboards...

Boycott's still on, right?

Last I checked.

For some strange reason my notebook HD refuses to die (now that I have all the important files backed up - damn Dells).

My Desktop - on the other hand suffered a complete MB meltdown - Soyo Tisu has lots of problems anyway so I have to do the complete upgrade - PS, P4, DDR, MB . . . moola . . . however, I have been saving my "CD money" (and spending it on clothes) . . . so IF I don't reply for awhile, you know why.

So, we're agreed, the boycott is on - "because we can".

 

[apoppin]

Just do a Google search using "Boycott" + "RIAA"

Results 1 - 10 of about 32,800. Search took 0.18 seconds



Now it's gotta get organized for Black Friday