Comments on: The RIAA attempts to rewrite copyright law

The music industry wants to make personal copies of music against the law. It really needs to join the 21st Century.

[ranjo65]

Just when you think that the RIAA couldn't be any dumber, they insist on proving that notion wrong.

[R.Jefferson]

who are you to question the ownership class? they know whats best for us.

[TxemiC]

"...the music industry is trying to force the world to revert to the 20th Century. It's just not going to happen."

Matt, I like your sentence. I fully agree. RIIA can not force us to keep buying music CDs. The format is soon to die. Artist can still make good money from live performances, ad endorsements, merchandising and even downloads.

http://tech-talk.biz/2007/12/25/how-will-music-industry-survive-internet/

[RussStebbins]

I think the specific issue in the RIAA case it that the user copied files to a MP3 format on his computer (unauthorized) and put it his shared file (for distribution; illegal).

The general concern is that the RIAA often equates unauthorized with illegal so eventually they will make just that argument. Any copying is illegal. IIFC, the lead attorney for Sony made stated that any copying is stealing.

[Scorpiaux]

Lots of people seem to be working themselves into a frenzy over a falsehood or a flagrant omission of fact. I have yet to find anything on the Internet posted by the RIAA that says that making an mp3 copy or any copy of a purchased CD is, by itself, an illegal act. Many critics of RIAA make this assertion. I have read many of the RIAA's assertions and read their statement on their web site.

Here is what their web site contains.

"You make an MP3 copy of a song because the CD you bought expressly permits you to do so. But then you put your MP3 copy on the Internet, using a file-sharing network, so that millions of other people can download it."

In the Atlantic vs. Howell case the RIAA explicitly has made the point that the legality of making a copy of a legitimately purchased piece of music for fair use purposes and/or backup purposes by the person who purchased the music is not an issue. Making the original or the copy available to others by placing the music file (in any format) into a file sharing folder where others may access it for copying to their computers or other devices is the issue. WHY DO THE RIAA CRITICS LEAVE THIS OUT?

It should be clear by now, although it apparently isn't, that the intellectual property thieves will continue to go down in flames when challenged with lawsuits. My guess is that financial punishment will not be enough to make illegal copying and copyright infringement a rare occurrence. Jail time will have to be the norm to put a dent in this piracy.

[Scorpiaux]

"It's time for the music industry and its lackey, the RIAA, to join us in the 21st Century. The 21st Century will almost certainly not look kindly on your 20th-century business models." - Matt Asay

Really? Let's see. The 20th century model says to prosecute shoplifters. The 21st century model says to reward shoplifters by letting them keep what they stole and offering the remaining merchandise at a below cost price.

I think that if you are going to survive in business in the 21st century, you cannot give away your product or service for free. You apparently think otherwise. Try it and let us know how you do in a year or so.

[Ray Beckerman]

Scorpiaux is just wrong. Read this.