LOL! You are a very funny guy, MM. None of these trade associations are in position to sue more than .0001% of the downloaders. There are better odds of a file sharer being hit by a downed airliner than being sued by RIAA or any of the others.
For decades, the labels have cheated 99% of the artists. For decades, they have engaged in price-fixing (illegal) and other hostile acts against consumers, for which they've received an occasional slap on the wrist from the courts. Now the tables are turning and they don't like it. Too bad.
Here's a question to test your adherence to "principle"...
Back when we were British subjects and legally obliged to obey acts of Parliament, we were made subject to the Stamp, Navigation and Townshend Acts. Had we complied with those, most of us would have been driven into poverty. But instead, we disobeyed them and continued to prosper. There is no question that we were robbing the crown of money it was legally entitled to.Should our merchants and shippers have all been fined, imprisoned and subjected to confiscation?
Here's another question for you...
Should Congress be exempt from its oath to uphold the Constitution, the Constitution that does not provide for copyright in perpetuity?
"LOL! You are a very funny guy, MM. None of these trade associations are in position to sue more than .0001% of the downloaders. There are better odds of a file sharer being hit by a downed airliner than being sued by RIAA or any of the others.
For decades, the labels have cheated 99% of the artists. For decades, they have engaged in price-fixing (illegal) and other hostile acts against consumers, for which they've received an occasional slap on the wrist from the courts. Now the tables are turning and they don't like it. Too bad."
OK. Let's look at this: You claim that record labels have cheated artists. Are you an artist? Are you one of the ones they cheated?
So, even if you're not, you somehow feel justified in stealing products from these companies. Well, OK. That's your decision. I'm not in the law enforcement business, so you needn't worry about me.
I just believe that stealing is wrong. Even stealing from thieves is wrong. But you go ahead and do whatever it is that you want to do. It's of little importance to me that your morality is so weak. I will, of course, remember your screen name here, and take any moral arguments you make with a large grain of salt.
Phooey on thieves!