The Latest Way In Which The RIAA's Sue 'Em All Education Campaign Has Backfired
from the whoops dept
The RIAA has always said (though, many don't believe it) that a big part of the reason that they're suing lots of people for sharing unauthorized files is as part of an "education campaign." The industry continues to insist that people just don't know file sharing is illegal, and the lawsuits are the only way to get that across. Of course, since they file another batch of these lawsuits every month or so, it seems like that strategy really doesn't make sense any more. After all, they filed a bunch more lawsuits this week, and almost no one wrote about it at all -- it's just not newsworthy. Instead, the stories that are getting written are about how the RIAA screws up these lawsuits -- such as the latest case of a woman who claims she has no idea how to download music. It's hard to see how that helps the RIAA's education campaign -- other than to raise more questions about this legal strategy and how sound it really is.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Education? Intimidation.
That seems to be the idea anway. Dont want to be sued? Then dont install a file sharing program.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
Great. Tell that to the 70-year old homecare nurse who doesn't even own and has never used a computer...
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
Better yet, sue the record companies for keeping the price of CD's artificially high.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
I want artists to put out records without the damn record labels. It's entirely possible with the internet. Hell, it was possible before the internet became mainstream, now it's just easy.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
Indeed, there are literally hundreds of sites on the net now that allow artists to:
Share music, either samples or the full deal;
Promote their music;
Sell stuff to go with their music;
Sell their self-produced CDs (no labels required).
I realize that not all of our music is of quality or desirability “up there� with the great artists of music, or maybe not even that notable/good - but we're producing what's in our heart and putting out for the world to enjoy.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
A better solution? Steal your neighbor's wireless connection!
(BTW, that was irony)
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
(Wouldn't it be ironic if I am wrong about this, though?)
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
Man, you are an idiot.
1. ho wash? wtf? hog wash maybe? - use preview, it's there for a reason.
2. You pay to see the move - not hear the song in the movie. If you pay to hear the song in the movie, then you have got other issues and might want to thing about getting some help.
3. You pay for cable, MTV comes with it. It's a service, you pay for it, get over it.
4. You buy the CD so you can have the song to listen to any time you like. That doesn't mean anything else the song is played on (movies) should be free. Dumbass.
5. You pay for radio? I hope is XM radio because the last I checked, unless you're outside of the US, commercial radio is free. XM radio is a service. Again, you pay for services, get over that too.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
2. You pay to see the "MOVE"? :)
all in fun boys
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
2. You pay to see the "MOVE"? :)
all in fun boys
WHOOPS! LOL! My bad - I guess I should practice what I preach huh?
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
2. You pay to see the movie
5. You pay for radio? I hope it is XM radio because the last I checked,...
Glass houses and stones come to mind... :-)
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
"and might want to thing about getting some help."
pwned :p
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
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Re: Education? Intimidation.
Does this top lawsuits filed by the RIAA against citizens that do not own a PC, use a MAC, or have had their PCs hijacked to name a few.
You sound about as clueless as them so you should have no trouble finding a job with them.
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No Subject Given
I know you have your frame, and I respect that. But the better way to describe this ongoing action is largely a legal harassment program, targeted at those who can't afford to defend against it. Sounds a little like patent troll strategy, eh?
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Education
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Re: Education
//yes, I know you're kidding
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Re: Education
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Re: Education
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Re: Education
While I admire your enthusiasm, Godwin's Law specifically discounts its... elf...
Erm, hmmm, wait a minute....
*cough* *ahem* Actually, um, it turns out that Godwin's Law doesn't take a position on Python quotes after all. My bad. Carry on.
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Re: Education
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Re: Education
While I admire your enthusiasm, playing the Nazi card isn't likely to stop the RIAA. Godwin's Law specifically discounts itself when invoked on purpose.
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Re: Education
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RIAA
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My earlier comment
They have yet to explain to my satisfaction how sharing music with no money exchange is any different from my lending you a CD to listen to. The fact that you can sign CDs out of your public library seems like that should make every public library system guilty of illegal distribution as well.
I once had an email exchange with Janis Ian, who told me that when she releases new material on her web site, CD sales typically go UP.
Intersting.
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RIAA
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Re: RIAA
Now wirte that 100 times on the chalkboard during recess.
I honestly hope that you enjoy your relationship with your new RIAA overlords. May you bask in the radioactive warmth of their toxic embrace.
Meanwhile I will be sure never to buy your music.
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Re: RIAA
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Education
I listen to books on tape/CD in the car if I'm by myself, I spend time on the computer if I'm at home alone, and there are many ways to enjoy myself with friends that don't involve movies or music. Try interactive activities when you are with others; it's a whole different world.
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Re: Education
Jon while that is completely admirable, I don't think it works for the bulk of society. Sharing music, books, and favorite films is a social activity which many people enjoy. The problem here is what continually comes up on TechDirt threads: If it's easy to make illegal copies, folks will do it. I admit that I've done it before, not because I wanted to deprive the author of revenue, but because of the convenience of passing on a few "copies".
I think what needs to happen here is someone needs to find a reasonable compromise between sharing media and outright ripping it off. If I find a cool band or a really cool article, I want to be able to send that to a few friends and have them check it out. On the other hand I don't think I should have the right to make a wholesale copy of my DVD collection and send it to 10 of my friends so they don't have to buy it themselves. File sharing falls to some sort of in-between gray area.
Ultimately I think the RIAA, MPAA, etc. need to examine why people are sharing files and what they are doing with them. If it's a clear cut case of folks not wanting to shell out the money for the album then fine, sue 'em for copyright infringement. But if it's a case of people wanting to share stuff between friends saying "hey check this out, it's cool", then figure out some way to let people send each other files so that it doesn't threaten your ability to sell them a product in the end. What you'll end up with is a grassroots marketing campaign that no amount of high priced marketing consultants is going to bring you.
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recording artist
I know a lot of "recording artists". Most of them have some kind of digital recorder in their basement studio and they get together with their friends to drink beer and play music on Saturday afternoon when they aren't working at the factory of the 7-11. They too are "recording artists" in the literal sense.
I played part time since age 23 and full time for 12 years. I toured, I wrote, I recorded, produced, arranged... If anybody wants to flatter me by downloading any of my music, they are welcome to it.
Your web site, once I navigated around the broken link, is impressive but I came away with the impression that you are a musician like Keanu Reeves is a musician. The pentagram sent kind of a mixed message, as did your presence on Garageband.com.
The people here are directing their comments to the multi mega millionaires who continue to take greed and selfishness to new heights, not to some part time player who is glad to get a gig at some dive in Santa Monica. I spent my years in the latter group. Anybody wants a copy of "Kiss You All Over" can have it. And if they can find it anywhere, send me a copy. That was recorded 15 years ago and I don't even have it any more.
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Re: recording artist
I'm a recording artist as well, and for me the experience of listening to an album of entirely my own creation was one of the most fulfilling in my life(thank you BOSS BR-1180). Making it available online and sharing it with friends is just the icing on the cake.
And sure, I've dreamed about making a living from what I usually call "playing". It just seems too good to be possible.
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No Subject Given
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Not a problem with old music
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Re: Not a problem with old music
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Electric Dreams
You know I actually had that LP. And I'd look at eBay.
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