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Big Surprise, Nobody Cares
 
  We didn't need a study to tell us thatThe reason nobody  
 
     
 
 
     
  Released: 08.02.03  
  Source: CNN.com  
  Author: AP Staff  
  Original source link  
     
 
     
Two-thirds of Internet users who download music don't care whether they're violating copyright laws, according to a new survey that highlights the uphill enforcement battle facing the recording industry.

The survey published this week by the nonprofit Pew Internet and American Life Project estimated that roughly 35 million American adults use file-sharing software, about 29 percent of Internet users. Those figures were generally consistent with other estimates of 60 million American users across all age groups.

The Pew survey was completed before the Recording Industry Association of America announced its aggressive campaign to sue individual computer users who illegally share "substantial" collections of music, so it was unclear from the survey whether the campaign was discouraging online piracy.

"Our data shows significant numbers didn't care about copyrights," said Lee Rainie, the director for the Washington-based Pew project. "The (threatened) lawsuits maybe have gotten their attention."

Students least concerned

The survey said younger Americans, ages 18 to 29, were least worried about copyrights, with 72 percent saying they weren't concerned. It said 61 percent of Americans who were 30 to 49 years old were similarly unconcerned. Full-time students were the least concerned with violating copyright, with 82 percent saying they were not worried.

Pew researchers said differences between men and women, blacks, whites and Hispanics and between income groups were not statistically significant when measuring copyright concerns.

The RIAA, the trade group for the major recording labels, said the Pew study was outdated, adding that it believes its enforcement efforts have affected attitudes toward downloading music.

"We believe that the most powerful deterrent is the message that uploading or downloading copyrighted works without permission is against the law," the RIAA said in a statement. "We have worked hard to educate the public about what the law says and potential consequences, and other studies have shown that message is beginning to take hold and will serve as an effective deterrent."

The chairman of the Senate's permanent subcommittee on investigations began an inquiry Thursday into the industry's crackdown against music swappers, calling the campaign "excessive."

"Theft is theft, but in this country we don't cut off your arm or fingers for stealing," said Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minnesota, who was a rock roadie during the 1960s.

26 million and counting

In a letter to RIAA President Cary Sherman, Coleman criticized the group for issuing subpoenas to "unsuspecting grandparents whose grandchildren have used their personal computers" and others who may not know their computer is being used to download music.

He asked the RIAA to furnish him with a list of its subpoenas; its safeguards against invading privacy and making erroneous subpoenas; its standards for issuing subpoenas; and a description of how it collects evidence of illegal file sharing.

The RIAA said it would be "pleased" to provide Coleman the information he requested.

"It will confirm that our actions are entirely consistent with the law as enacted by the U.S. Congress and interpreted by the courts," the RIAA said in a statement.

When computer users download a copyrighted song, file-sharing software automatically makes it available for other Internet users to download, too. It is possible -- and increasingly popular -- to reconfigure the software to allow downloads but prevent sharing files, although this undermines the concept of public file-sharing networks.

The survey was based on interviews conducted during random telephone calls by Princeton Survey Research Associates during March, April and May among a sample of 2,515 adults in the continental United States. The margin for error was plus or minus 3 percent.
 
     
 
     
 
  other items in this group  
 Apple Prohibits iTunes Rentals on Fifth Generation iPods
01.29.08 by Bryan Gardiner (wired.com)
 
   There's a certain amount of speculation in a recent wired story as to why iPods that are only 6 months old or so can't support iTunes rentals. I'm betting with those that suggest its some artifact of DRM incompatibility. It's just yet another example of why unlocked media is just a simple pragmatic consumer benefit. If DRM schemes can't even work within a single companies offerings, how can we realistically expect them to work across platforms? To me, this is the greatest significance of unlocked media, simply that it works better. 
 EU court: downloaders can stay private
01.28.08 by Aoife White, AP Business Writer (Yahoo News)
 
   The EU has decided not to allow record companies access to identity information of users that are caught downloading. Ahhhhh.... privacy! 
 Bruised music majors back iTunes rival
01.15.08 by Joshua Chaffin (Financial Times)
 
   Suddenly, the record labels that feel left out of the iTunes cult back their own kinder, gentler, cult at Amazon 
 In the Fight Over Piracy, a Rare Stand for Privacy
12.31.07 by Adam Liptak (NY Times)
 
   Here's an amazing story of the little university that could... the University of Oregon tells the RIAA to stuff it and stands up for students' privacy 
 Download Uproar: Record Industry Goes After Personal Use
12.30.07 by Mark Fisher (Washington Post)
 
   Now the RIAA is getting tough and reiterating a stance it has taken all along: even ripping a CD you purchased into your computer for your own use is illegal. 
 Prince is determined to revolutionise the music industry
07.15.07 by Neil Armstrong (The Daily Mail (UK))
 
   The maverick from Minneapolis has been doing things his way since 1977 when, at the age of 19, he signed a three-album deal and blew the budget for all three albums on the first one, and this after insisting that he play all the instruments himself, record all the vocals himself – and produce it himself. He had assumed full artistic control from the off and he has never relinquished it. 
 Music Industry Attacks Prince CD Giveaway
06.29.07 by Katie Allen (The Guardian UK)
 
   It seems that it doesn't matter even if you print your own cds with your own music on them... you're just not supposed to give music away. 
 AT&T Blocks Pirated Media
06.20.07 by Alexandra Berzon (Red Herring)
 
   This is huge. Until now, ISPs had been trying to stay out of the whole anti-piracy arena. This signals a huge change in strategy. 
 Worlds at War:The New and Old Media
02.18.07 by Peter Lauria and Holly M. Sanders (NY Post)
 
   The newest war has begun: the old and the new media are going at it, and we could all be collateral damage. 
 Vatican plans punk version of Divine Comedy
01.03.07 by John Phillips (The Independent UK)
 
   I can't possibly believe that the Vatican is even doing this. And we also can't believe how much we want to see it. 
 RattleHead Unveils Station Archive
03.20.04 by Ferret (RattleHead Records)
 
   On the anniversary of the tragedy that claimed the lives of 100 music fans, RattleHead Records unveils its own online Station Archive. 
 RIAA Takes it in the Ass
12.19.03 by Ted Bridis (MyWay News)
 
   The RIAA finally gets it right where it needs it. A federal court has just bitch slapped the mighty RIAA and told them that they can't force ISPs to turn over the name of users file-swapping. (And this, after they already sued hundreds of people!) 
 MP3.com Closes, CNET Attempts to Fill Gap
11.28.03 by John Borland (ZDNet)
 
   The grand daddy of mp3 sites, mp3.com is closing its doors because a big label named Vivendi bought it and wants to get that smell of indpendant music off its servers. Where were you when the house fell down? 
 Music Can Save the World
11.09.03 by M.R. KROPKO (AP)
 
   This short little story should show everyone the power of music; maybe it really can save the world. 
 Who Said Copyrights Stifle Innovation?
11.03.03 by AP Staff (CNN.com)
 
   Whoever said copyrights stifle innovation was exactly right... here's a group of student trying to do something really cool, and they've been thwarted at every turn by the copyright system. And even when they try to do it legally, they're screwed. 
 Most people Would Call This Extortion
10.18.03 by Reuters Staff (CNN Money)
 
   The RIAA, instead of spending money with actual lawsuits now, is "pre-settling" lawsuits with those evil downloaders. 
 It Only Gets Worse from Here
10.17.03 by CBC News Online Staff (CBC News Online)
 
   The word's out on the street: If you're a media giant, it only gets worse from here. Some traitorous physicists just got together and figured out how to make the downloads even faster. 
 Quick, Someone Brainwash the Kids Before its too Late
09.25.03 by Laura M. Holson (NY Times)
 
   It seems its vitally important now to launch an in-school "downloading is wrong" campaign. All this will do is show kids how to do it. 
 Would you Kill Yourself at a show?
09.18.03 by BayNews9 Staff (BayNews9)
 
   This fan wants to commit suicide onstage at his favorite band's show. Is this obsession? Promotion? Stupidity? All three? You decide. 
 This Man Got What He Deserved
09.17.03 by Associated Press (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
 
   This is what happens to you when you sing songs from boy bands or boys who used to be in boy bands. You have been warned. 
 Downloaders Thumb Nose in General Direction of RIAA.
09.08.03 by Shawn Langlois (CBS Market Watch)
 
   The lawsuits apparently aren't working. In fact, they're doing what we thought they would -- piss people the fuck off. Good. It's about time. 
 Next Thing You Know, They'll Execute you for Sharing Music
09.07.03 by AFP Staff (Yahoo! News)
 
   They'll sue you, sure, but in Australia they'll even lock you in prison. Now, granted, these people were maintaining a public website to do it... but it's all the same thing, and I'm sure it's music to the record industry's ears. 
 Look What a Little Competition Does
09.06.03 by Derek Caney (YahooNews)
 
   It seems online music swapping has had another really positive effect: cd prices are being slashed to compete. The raping and pillaging of the CD buyer hasn't ended for sure, but $12.98 is definitely slightly less ludicrous. 
 The Downloader Fights Back
09.05.03 by Associated Press Staff (CNN.com)
 
   The RIAA began suing people for sharing music -- myopic bastards that they are -- but not all of the people being sued are taking it lying down. Some are taking on the RIAA directly. Like this one, NYCFASHIONGIRL... go get 'em! 
 THE RIAA IS FUCKING INSANE
09.04.03 by Reuters/Billboard (Yahoo News)
 
   The RIAA is fucking insane. Demanding photo ids from people, threatening prosecution to intimidate people. Really, who the fuck are they? This is either an enormous bluff, or the beginning of the Spanish Inqusition II. But in either case, it's a colossally stupid idea. 
 CDs are on the Way Out
09.03.03 by Jeordan Legon (CNN.com)
 
   Yes, folks, CDs are on the way out! That's the word in the big labels as the Attack of the Subscription Music Services begins. The last quote in the article is very telling... they don't believe you own the music, and they think CDs cost too much (when they were the ones who were sued for price fixing last year)! 
 Colleges Crack Down on Music Sharing
09.02.03 by Associated Press Staff (ABCnews)
 
   Now the colleges have become the latest whipping boy for the RIAA. You see, the RIAA has problems not only with sharing music over the internet, but your own private network as well. And that's only one of the reasons they're thug-like assholes. 
 How the RIAA Spies on You
08.28.03 by Associated Press (CNN.com)
 
   Want to know how the bastards at the RIAA track what you've downloaded? Well, they gave away some of their secrets when they filed the lawsuits. 
 Best Buy and Real Networks Swap Fluids
08.19.03 by AP Staff (Associated Press)
 
   Yes, Real Networks and Best Buy are sleeping together. Best Buy will begin offering subscriptions to Real Network's music service Rhapsody. And Rhapsody is, you guessed it, one of those services that charges you for downloads and then controls what you can do with the music afterwards. They even make you pay to burn songs onto CD... and per song, too! 
 They Say They Want the Big Fish
08.18.03 by Frederic J. Frommer (Associated Press)
 
   So the RIAA says they just want the Big Fish. Only the people trading a "substantial" number of songs. Only they won't define "sunstantial", they've never kept their word before, and it would be pointless to only stop "some" of the downloading. The fact is, this latest nazi lawsuit maneuver on their part has only pissed people off, and they're afraid to say how long or or how far it will go. 
 Here's Who's Being Sued by the RIAA
08.15.03 by AbercrombieDave (Zeropaid.com news board)
 
   People have been compiling information from the massive supoena dump that the RIAA dropped a few weeks ago. Here's the updated list of who's being sued. 
 Nikki vs. Hilary
08.11.03 by Jim Goldman (Tech TV)
 
   Nikki's the head of KaZaa, Hilary's the former head of the RIAA (and now a commentator on CNBC). Who do we think will win? Well, we have our hopes on Nikki as well as a few others... we won't play favorites, but one thing we're putting out money on is Hilary NOT winning. This is not a struggle between thieves and merchants as Hilary would like you to believe -- this is a clash between an old old old market and a brand new way of doing things. And historically, Hilary doesn't stand a chance. 
 RIAA Supoenas Thrown Out
08.10.03 by Bipasha Ray (Boston.com)
 
   The RIAA has been playing fast and loose with the law... requesting supoenas for personal information for all sorts of regular they find thrying to experience music freely. The trouble is, they really don't care about the paperwork or accurately filling out the requests for supoenas. In fact, they don't even care if the supoenas are issued from the proper jurisdiction. All they want is to sue! sue! sue! and they will do what it takes to get that done, law be damned. 
 Big Surprise, Nobody Cares
08.02.03 by AP Staff (CNN.com)
 
   We didn't need a study to tell us thatThe reason nobody 
 Oh, NOW the Senate Seems Concerned
07.31.03 by John Borland (CNET News)
 
   The recording industry's wave of subpoenas that target individual computer users has drawn the critical attention of at least one influential lawmaker on Capitol Hill. Which is funny, because they really didn't give a shit when they heard testimony about what bastards the RIAA really is. 
 Hey, Let's Sue the RIAA
07.30.03 by Matthew Broersma (CNET News)
 
   It turns out that a good amount fo these record induistry supoenas to stop file sharing have been improperly filed, too broad, and infringe on people's privacy. Of course the RIAA doesn't care; the law is secondary when rich bastards think they're losing dough. It always was. 
 Intel Gives them the Keys
07.29.03 by Michael Kanellos (CNET News)
 
   Intel has announced that they will incorporate file encryption on their chips. This will allow people to control your mp3s. Just watch. 
 Secret Networks are Everywhere
07.28.03 by Powell Fraser (CNN.com)
 
   Constant RIAA pressure has not gotten rid of file sharing, it's only made it more pervasive and harder to track. The latest development is private encrypted networks -- where you have to be personally invited and given access too. The RIAA also claims these are illegal, too. Now you can't even trade cds with your friends without the RIAA getting their panties in a bunch. 
 Colleges block RIAA Supoenas
07.22.03 by Jay Lindsay (Associated Press)
 
   Two colleges step forward to block the RIAA supoenas, because they were filed improperly. The RIAA, bloodlust in it's eyes, simply doesn't care. 
 Hither They Come
07.19.03 by Reuters Staff (CNN)
 
   The moment we have all been waiting for is about to arrive! Yes, the RIAA has requested the names of the heaviest users who were trading music on KaZaa, and the lawsuits will begin arriving as soon as next week. Yay! Then if this run is a complete success, more will follow, to be sure. 
 And Here's What They'll do to You
07.18.03 by Reuters Staff (CNN)
 
   Leave it to two democrats to come up with brilliant idea#44: let's throw all the people who trade music online in jail. 
 How Much Does a Congressman Cost?
07.17.03 by Andrew Orlowski (The Register)
 
   The RIAA just paid $18,000 for this congressman's vote... how much is yours worth? 
 Who Gets the Money from MP3 Sales
07.14.03 by Nancy Einhart (Business 2.0)
 
   Ever wondered where all the money from legal, purchased, mp3s goes? Rest assured that your friendly neighborhood major record label has once again cut up his share of the pie and the artists get the leftovers. Although on the surface, it appears to be slightly better than an actual record deal (the artist will probably get paid this time), rest assured that eventually these numbers will change even further in favor of the labels as time moves on. 
 What is Blubster?
07.10.03 by CBS Staff (CBS News)
 
   Here's an article about Blubster -- the newest file sharing service that will defeat the attempts of the record label to shut it down. Notice the sarcastic biased attitude of the article against file-sharing. Bunch o hacks. In fact, why not just skip the article and go right to www.blubster.com? 
 Here Come the Lawsuits
06.25.03 by David McGuire (Washington Post)
 
   Here it is, the moment we've all been waiting for... the RIAA is promising lawsuits! lawsuits! lawsuits! in 8-10 weeks. And they're not just going to sue file services again, but you and I as well. 
 Crazy Guy Caught Without Pants
06.19.03 by Leander Kahney (Wired News)
 
   Okay, remember a few days ago the crazy guy on the Senate Judiciary Committee that recommended hacking people's sytems if they use copyrighted material? Well, it turns out his website has some unlicensed code... 
 FCC Has to Start All Over
06.18.03 by David Ho (Associated Press)
 
   While we certainly are no fans of many of those in the senate who have gotten their fat asses involved in this area in the past... and while this sort of shit is what took low power FM off the menu... a senate committe is recommending dismantling the FCC's plans to allow these big media mergers. And even though they're generally jerks, and probably doing it for all the wrong reasons; way to go! 
 How Crazy is This Guy
06.17.03 by Ted Bridis (Washington Post)
 
   So this guy is now advocating actually destroying people's computers to stop "illegal" downloading. It's not bad enough that this man has proven himself to be clinically insane; he's also the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. 
 Iraqis Have Boy Bands, Too
06.12.03 by Andrew Marshall (Washington Post)
 
   Funny how it takes Iraqis to put together a boy band that actually writes their own material. 
 Inside Apple
06.07.03 by Derek, CD Baby (Gnutella News)
 
   These are the top-secret notes from the Apple ITunes closed-door meeting that were *accidentally* released to the web by Derek, from CD Baby. 
 Something Rotten This Way Comes
05.30.03 by Paul R. La Monica (CNNmoney)
 
   Regardless of its crap service, AOL is the largest ISP out there right now. So, it has always been an important thing which browser they use as part of their AOL desktop. First it was their own browser, then they went went with Microsoft, then they kicked Microsoft out and went with Netscape, Now they just kicked Netscape out again and are going with Microsoft. Why, you ask? because Microsoft has a new way to "secure digital media" and they want to try it out. 
 They Couldn't Kill It
05.23.03 by Reuters Staff (CNN.com)
 
   Despite every attempt to kill it, Kazaa has just become the most downloaded program in history. 
 The FCC is Feeding the Blob
05.22.03 by William Safire (CNN.com/NY Times)
 
   The FCC is about to loosen restrictions on how many media outlets a company could own. Get ready for radio to suck even more. 
 Someone Else Tries the Old Way
05.21.03 by Reuters Staff (CNNmoney)
 
   Yet another company has decided to do it the old way.., selling mp3s like they were plastic. The only difference is this time they are bypassing the royalty agents and paying the artists directly. This, of course, upsets those at the current royalty feeding trough. 
 Providence Invaded Once Again
05.20.03 by IOTW staff (RattleHead Records)
 
   Once again, RattleHead Records has taken control of downtown Providence and turned it over to the musicians. 
 Who Killed the Single?
05.18.03 by Tim Burt (FT.com)
 
   The record industry used to make lots of money selling singles... now they claim that file sharing is to killing off that market. Our feeling is that the pimp betta find some new hoes and stop complaining that the old one ain't bringing in the dough. 
 RIAA Now Targets Students
05.16.03 by Mike Darrah (winamp.com)
 
   The RIAA bares its fangs again... this time targeting anyone who dares set up filesharing services to trade mp3s on THEIR OWN NETWORKS! A little intrusive, perhaps? Well, that's what the RIAA is all about. 
 Everybody Loves Apple Now
05.12.03 by Associated Press Staff (CNN.com)
 
   Steve Jobs of Apple succeeded in teaching the record industry something fundamental: just sell the music for a reasonable price with no strings attached. People will pay for reliable, quality distribution. (Seems like a no-brainer to us around here, but these record execs are kinda slow.) 
 Apple Makes it Go
05.06.03 by Brian Garrity (Billboard.com)
 
   Wow, someone offers a new online music service that's not patronizing and cuts through all the Digital Rights Management bullshit -- and it seems to be working. Go figure. 
 And You Thought They Were Evil Before
05.03.03 by Andrew Ross Sorkin (New York Times)
 
   A glimpse into the record industry's box of dirty tricks. As if it wasn't bad enough the crap they've done to try and keep control over us... now they're even developing quasi-legal software to knock us offline, crash our computers, and just generally make our lives even more miserable. Is this what you want your relationship with music to be like? 
 Where it All Stands Now
05.02.03 by Time Magazine staff (Time Magazine)
 
   This article was published by Time Magazine, which is part of Time/Warner, which means they are not going to be sympathetic to the actual issues involved in file sharing. And this article is not... it pretty much takes the hardline against the practice. Then, at the end, it seems to regrettfully conclude that it's here to stay. In either case, it's a good description of exactly where we are in this whole music revolution mess. 
 The Harrassment Begins
04.29.03 by Sue Zeidler (Yahoo News)
 
   The record industry has gotten permission from a judge to begin targeting individuals who use file services -- even though these services have been found to be legal -- and the labels are beginning to send threatening messages. The first of which are being sent via instant messenger. Say goodbye to the old-school record label... personally pissing off it's customers one at a time. If they really had some balls, they'd identify the label or the artist that is the source of the complaint, but they don't. 
 Hackers-1 Madonna-0
04.28.03 by Reuters Staff (CNN.com)
 
   Madonna tried to get in on the newest big label anti-piracy technique: flood the servers with bad decoys of your song. She thought she'd be clever, so she recorded her own diatribe about file sharing... then, had it co-opted and resampled and mixed all over the web. 
 Apple Sells Music for 99 Cents
04.27.03 by Peter Thal Larsen and Scott Morrison (Financial Times)
 
   Apple has entered the fray, and now offers users legal downloads for 99 cents per song. Could the announcement have anything to do with the Verizon verdict two days ago? Hmmmmmm... 
 Federal Judge Bitch-slaps Recording Industry
04.25.03 by John Borland (CNET News)
 
   The verdict we all have been waiting for. A federal judge has finally come to their senses and realized that file agents like KaZaa, Bearshare, Morpheus, etc. are completely legal. 
 Verizon Forced to Reveal Kazaa User
04.24.03 by David McGuire (washingtonpost.com Staff Writer)
 
   This is Earth-shattering: A court has once again order Verizon to reveal the identity of the Kazaa user who has been using their network to download music. This will unleash a virtual flood of cease-and-desist lawsuit letters to literally tens of millions of users. Do they really think that is such a good idea? 
 Pirates and Posses
04.16.03 by James L. Gattuso, Bruce Mehlman, Alec French, Gary Shapiro, James V. Delong (Heritage Foundation)
 
   This is a transcript of a Heritage Foundation lecture about digital copyrights. It features the usual pro-copy control political hacks, but also a stellar thought-provoking argument from James V. Delong. 
 RIAA Targets College Students
04.04.03 by Frank Ahrens (Washington Post)
 
   Yes, the day has come that we've been warning you about for almost a year, since the RIAA had young cadets expelled from a miltary academy for downloading music. Today the RIAA has started suing colleges that allow downloading on their networks. Now, they're really going to begin pissing everyone off, just watch. This is the beginning of the backlash. 
 All Pearl Jammed Up
04.03.03 by Mark Brown (Rocky Mountain News)
 
   A round of anti-Bush remarks from Eddie Vedder cause fans to leave a Pearl Jam concert in disgust. Eddie then answered people's boos with a quick diatribe on free speech. What Eddie really wants is free speech without consequences. He wants to be able to cough up any righteous political view he can and wants everyone else just to agree and shut up. Like most liberal artists these days, Vedder seems to think that free speech only applies to his views... any opposition seems to cramp his style. 
 Madonna Pulls Anti-War Video from US
03.31.03 by AFP Staff (Yahoo News)
 
   Madonna has pulled the US release of her new video, which contained images of transvestite soldiers, Iraqi children and a grenade being lobbed at a lookalike of US President George W Bush. The problem appears to be that she filmed the video before the war began and now doesn't think it makes as much sense. But, it was released in Germany, where such images make that much more sense. We guess. 
 Musicians Divided on Iraq
03.24.03 by Howard Cohen (Miami Herald)
 
   You'd think based on a lot of the media attention given to anti-war musicians, that most musicians were anti-war. That is not the case. Just because pro-war in Iraq people feel a war is the correct decision, does not mean they are "warmongers" in any sense of the word and will probably not gather publicly to support killing. But don't think they aren't there. As this story will show, not only are they there -- but fans are identifying with them. 
 Another Piece of the Robotic Music Puzzle
03.12.03 by Annanova Staff (Annanova.com)
 
   So it's not enough that they've reduced the mass marketing music to shelling out chunks of mindless bullshit to the lowest common denominator, now they're going to let a robot pick the mindless bullshit for them. Problem is, it's still mindless bullshit. 
 You Said it
02.18.03 by Sue Zeidler (Reuters)
 
   Arbitron claims that it's survey shows that people like you are much happier today with their radio choices. And, you are saying that it's a good idea for the government to allow more radio stations to be owned by the same people. That way the people in Los Angeles can now program sheep in Wyoming as well as Rhode Island. Just ask Clear Channel about San Diego -- they own all of the stations in the market, plus 3 broadcasting from Mexico. Already working around the rules, it seems. 
 Now They Sue Your Boss
02.14.03 by Associated Press Staff (CNN.com)
 
   The music industry is busy dismantling the greatest device for distributing music ever created: the internet. Now, if they see you downloading music at home (and they can), they will sue your ISP. If it's at work, they'll sue your boss. And if you're a Navy cadet, you can be discharged. All this just to protect their distribution network and feed their obsession with little pieces of plastic. 
 Listen to This Person
02.02.03 by Janis Ian (LA Times)
 
   Janis Ian provides a first hand description of how free music has helped his career and how the labels want it gone to push people like him into obscurity. 
 1200 Could be Too Many
01.31.03 by Fredric Frommer (Associated Press)
 
   People are starting to ask questions about this whole idea of loosening radio ownership restrictions. No one we know will say that radio actually is better these days; most people thinks it's stagnant and homgenized. And after you hear what's going on in San Diego, you'll think they're trying to take over the world. 
 KaZaa Fights Back
01.28.03 by AP Staff (Washington Post)
 
   Finally, the little guy strikes back. The RIAA has sued KaZaa for copyright infringement, so KaZaa has sued the labels right back. They claim that when all the labels get together and file these suits, that they are acting as a monopoly. (Hey, if it walks like a duck...) And, while they're at it, they threw in a nice dig about how the labels are dinosaurs that just don't understand the market changes. 
 Music Industry War Plans
01.24.03 by Reuters Staff (CNN.com)
 
   Nope, the big labels are not backing off. Like lemmings, they are attempting to remove copyrighted content from the digital domain. 
 The Bastards Win Again
01.22.03 by Andy Sullivan (Yahoo News)
 
   A judge has ordered Verizon to hand over the personal info of a customer to the RIAA, so they can sue the living crap out of some poor guy who traded mp3s online with Kazaa. This will unleash an assault of automated lawsuits as the RIAA thinks they have found a way to stop online music trading. In actuality, what they will do is put the last nail in the coffins of the big labels. After all, who's going to listen to Britney Spears anymore when you lose your DSL line just because you downloaded her piece of crap song? 
 Another Great New Idea From the RIAA
01.20.03 by Jack Russell (The Inquirer.net)
 
   Now the RIAA has launched another thuglike attack on online music downloading -- now the RIAA will sue ISP's who give you access to online downloading services. So, Verizon DSL will get sued if they continue to allow you to access to Kazaa, for example. Regardless of what you intend to do with Kazaa... and even if it doesn't involve music. Funny how our basic freedoms to access information are suddenly a threat to these corporate bastards, eh? 
 Microsoft or Microsuck
01.19.03 by Bernhard Warner (Yahoo News)
 
   Microsoft has formally announced -- on a weekend when no one was watching -- that they have finalized their plans for copy controls and will be integrating them into the next Windows operating sytem, Palladium. If you think this will stop professional pirates, you're insane, all this will do is inconvenience the rest of us. We will need permissions and licenses now to even access our own music. Brought to you by Microsuck. 
 MPAA and RIAA -- different spellings for asshole
01.17.03 by AP Staff (Associated Press)
 
   There's no trying to get these people to work together. They all want to control the way you use music and movies, but none of them can agree on exactly which weapons to use. Some want to require manufacturers to disable copying mechanisms, some want to hacker attack you when you download music, some want the service providers to be sued, others want the government to get involved. But none of them are even suggesting "doing nothing"... in fact, they're beating each other up for a place in line to jam us all up the ass. The only consolation from our end is that it's incredibly entertaining watching dinosaurs die. 
 Supreme Court Once Again Makes Sense
01.06.03 by AP Staff (CNN.com)
 
   A hacker had placed a snippet of code on his website that allowed people to copy DVD's. The Motion Picture Industry sued, and had a judge order it off the site. In protest, hackers in quite a few places sold t-shirts with the code printed on the back to help pay for the defense costs. It all paid off today... the US Supreme Court has overturned the lower court's decision and once again reaffirmed that in the United States people can say and write whatever they want. Whether it's code or on the back of t-shirt. And on a related note, isn't it funny how we protect people's rights to post bomb-making instructions on the internet, but sue the crap out of anyone interfering with a giant corporation's wallet? 
 The Complaints, "Criminal Mind"
09.14.02 by J. Hunter (Inside Society)
 
   J. Hunter reviews the Complaints new CD, "Criminal Mind". See what Hunter has to say about it inside... 
 CD Reviews
09.02.02 by IOTW Staff (Columnist)
 
   Here's some quick n nasty CD reviews by the IOTW staff for Pray for Nothing, The Cautions, Ripwikit, Shiver, Lamotta, Illustrious Day, Train of Thought, Fred's Bowling Ball, Betty Finn, The Haymakers. 
       
 
 
 

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  This group contains the latest headlines in the world of interest to local musicians. They can be local or national, and often consists of ongoing coverage of the war over digital copyrights and the emergence of new markets for musicians.