Thinking of downloading music ?

[wellard]

In the first US trial to challenge the illegal downloading of music on the Internet, a single mother from Minnesota has been ordered to pay more than $US220,000 ($247,000) for sharing 24 songs online.

Her lawyer said earlier this week that she had racked up some $US60,000 in legal fees because she refused to be bullied.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...05/2051724.htm

[wellard]

The music industry has to protect themselves and I guess people know there may be a price to pay if caught but strewth!!!

Either the girl is rich and able to pay this no problems or she is going to regret taking them on in court for the rest of her life.

[robertthebard]

The music industry is rich, bloated, and bullying. They aren't protecting the artist, or themselves. They are simply trying to make a statement. If we take the music industry, or the gaming industry's view of piracy, they are all driving late 70's Chevies, and living under bridges based on the sheer number of pirated songs/games.

The justifiable amount that should have been paid is the cost per download of each song, $0.99 each. Unless they can document that she shared that many copies, then it's just a revenge thing. My the fuss when Metallica sued Napster, a situation where the RIAA was strangely quiet. However, the same comments made about Metallica then apply now.

[Iron Greasel]

It's not a revenge thing. They're trying to frighten the pirates. "Do as we say or we'll flay you alive".

On a related note, shouldn't that be "uploading"?

[robertthebard]

Then they should have been right there with Metallica on Napster's ass, instead of laying low. Going after one lady isn't sending any message to the pirates, except, hey, we can't spend the money to catch you, so we'll take it out on the average citizen.

[Trogdor]

But they didn't lay low, this is just the first time someone has refused a settlement and thought she could get away with it.

Serves her right.

[wellard]

Originally Posted by Iron Greasel On a related note, shouldn't that be "uploading"?

eeerrrrr yes, guess I am just wack at rappin slackerspeak man

[robertthebard]

Hmm, after re-reading the article, I hope nobody that thinks this is a worthwhile case ever gets caught up, or mistaken. If so, it's a sad day, because they'll have to pay, whether they did it or not. I hope they don't decide to come knocking on my door. I upload songs to my website periodically, not so much recently, but they are all original. However, if they are just checking for copyrighted works, they could easily come up with mine, and have me in court for uploading my own songs. I guess it'll serve me right then, won't it.