Michael Jackson Slams The Idea Of Putting File Traders In Jail

from the surprise-surprise dept

Well, I certainly wouldn't have expected this. Michael Jackson has come out today saying that he's against new legislation that would turn those who use file sharing networks into felons, and could put them in jail. He's quoted as saying: "Here in America we create new opportunities out of adversity, not punitive laws and we should look to new technologies, like Apple's new Music Store for solutions. This way innovation continues to be the hallmark of America. It is the fans that drive the success of the music business; I wish this would not be forgotten." Sounds almost reasonable.
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  • identicon
    Con Tendem, 21 Jul 2003 @ 11:17pm

    how exactly

    how exactly is Apple Music Store new technology or innovative? Moreover, notice that by paying $0.99 per song I am still paying $15 per CD, not $0.00 or even $1.00, but almost store price. It is almost as if he was encouraging people to use the one online music service that does not offer significant savings to consumers.
    Since I am not paranoid, I am not going to actually subscribe to the thought above. However, I do have to note that Jackson is one artist who stands to gain a great deal from services like iTunes. He has had a lot of hits, and is still rather popular in a lot of places. He also owns rights to a lot of other people's music, like some Beatles stuff he bought from Lennon (I believe). Easy access to his catalogue can only help him, especially if it is a $0.99 per track of "Thriller"

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Mike (profile), 21 Jul 2003 @ 11:19pm

      Re: how exactly

      I agree, actually. I've been pretty outspoken at Techdirt talking about why iTunes really isn't that special... however, that's nitpicking on the overall point.

      Jackson seems to be one of the few "big name" stars that has come out against throwing his fans in jail. That's worth noting.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Joe Scmoe, 22 Jul 2003 @ 8:28am

        Re: how exactly

        "Jackson seems to be one of the few "big name" stars that has come out against throwing his fans in jail."

        heheh, he owes 'em that much. His fans so far haven't out him in jail either ;)

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      John Kenneth Fisher, 22 Jul 2003 @ 5:52am

      Re: how exactly

      Full CDs on the iTMS are usually only $9.99, regardless of how many tracks. It has flaws, but price is not one of them. Please research further before misinforming people. Thank you.

      link to this | view in chronology ]


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