[zarf]

The RIAA doesn't have a clue. Suing your consumer base is always a great idea. /s

[KarlInOhio]

As artists attempt to regain control of their music -- and reap profits from sales -- recording industry spokeswoman...

Huh-wha? What does the recording idustry have to do with the artists having control over their music. If anything, the RIAA has been working on stripping the artists of their rights and control. Stealing the music is bad - but don't pretend that the RIAA is protecting the writers, singers and musicians.

[reagan_fanatic]

[dbehsman]

The article goes on to say that the man in question downloaded 5 songs. And for each song he is facing a $750 fine.

Isn't that a little extreme? If someone stole a candy bar from a store, should the store try to extort $750 from the thief? Who would be the worse thief in that case? The person who tried to steal a candy bar, or the stores lawyer who tries to steal $750 from the thief?

[Huck]

As artists attempt to regain control of their music -- and reap profits from sale

Imagine that. Copyright holders wanting their copyrights enforced. What an outrage.

[proxy_user]

Here is a useful link, the top 100 non-RIAA albums:

http://www.riaaradar.com/zeitgeist_topamazonsafe.asp

Of course, there are those who will think it puzzling this is a .asp.....

[upchuck]

http://allofmp3.com/

[TracyTucson]

He broke Federal Law, haul him into Federal court and have him pay up.

If he doesn't respect our Federal Laws over property, perhaps China is a more accomodating place for the activites he engages in.

[mysterio]

The RIAA needs to be broken up with an antitrust suit. Until that day, only buy independent music. Hit them in the pocketbook.

[RobRoy]

>>In its running legal battle against unauthorized downloaders<<

No, it is against uploaders. As the article states, "...he illegally pirated and shared copyrighted music." People forget that every single lawsuit, without exception, involves making copyrighted material available to others. And even then it involves a quantity threashhold.

[RobRoy]

The comments following the article are a hoot.

[antiRepublicrat]

The RIAA has every right to sue him. It may not be a good idea to sue your customers, but bad PR moves aren't necessarily illegal or unethical.

My only problem with the RIAA enforcing its rights is that the methods it uses prior to the real lawsuit amount to an extortion racket. The RIAA should be criminally charged and its lawyers disbarred for participating in this abuse of the judicial system.

[Revolting cat!]

Stealing music is so much fun, everybody oughta do it! I walkED to the store this morning humming Tiptoe Through the Tulips, without paying red cent to the RIAA, woo hoo! In the store the radio was playing a tune by the Police! I listened to it for free, stealing from the POU-LEES! Woo hoo!

[Screamname]

Downloaded...."Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones, Capitol Records Inc.

So in other words he ripped off a song whose melody was blatantly ripped off from The Charlie Brown Christmas special. Poetic justice if you ask me.