Stupid-ass RIAA bullshit…

I hope the recent flogging of a music listener encourages people to download more music. That’s how pissed off I am about a recent court decision in favor of the RIAA that involves a fine of $220,000 against an innocent woman.

Yeah, I know this isn’t poppin’ fresh news - if you want that, go to Pitchfork or something - but I’ve been steaming about this for a good week now.

Now that the record companies have been successful in suing people who simply share music, it sets a dangerous precedent. What’s next, those who burned CDs for friends? How about the people who made mix tapes? I did that as recent as college. Am I liable? Will the RIAA turn into a private IRS, snagging people for retroactive fines?

Most likely, no. Currently, RIAA mugging victim Jammie Thomas is appealing her fine. Even if she is unsuccessful, the chance that the RIAA and the major record corporations will be successful in suing every living human being on earth who has ever shared a song is slim.

Still, the hypocrisy oozing out of the RIAA is amazing. For a group of companies that has done nothing but financially rape thousands of musicians over the years to all of a sudden become the morality police is laughable. Actually, it makes me want to go put on one of my Smiths bootlegs and sob.

As the incomparable Susie Greene would say, here’s to you, RIAA, you fat piece of shit.

Tags: corporations, irs, jammie thomas, Music, music downloading, riaa