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To: D. Long who wrote (8759)	9/21/2003 12:11:22 PM
From: H-Man	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 793707

The problem with the general internet tax is that everybody pays even if they do not copy music. No doubt that the RIAA is not going to stop stealing, reading through threads of zeropaid, chewplastic and boycott-riaa reveals that plainly. I do believe however, that a multi-level campaign, which includes lawsuits against individuals, can have a significant impact. As you note, there is a subculture that believes it is OK to steal music. Laws and enforcement action have traditionally been part of what changes culture. In the 60's & 70's, it is fair to say that sexual harassment in the work place was both prevalent and generally tolerated if not considered acceptable. Today this is not the case. This is the result of creation and clarification of law, enforcement action against companies and enforcement action of companies against individual employees as well as education/awareness. BTW, taping music from the radio is legal for non-commercial purposes, under the Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 - the law that created the royalty tax you referred to.

To: D. Long who wrote (8759)	9/21/2003 8:30:19 PM
From: Dayuhan	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 793707

What they should be doing is adapting and providing legal outlets for people to purchase and download music. They won't do this, because it would mean the disruption of a business model that they've settled into. They build up one song, stick it all over MTV, hype it to hell and back. Then they stick it on a CD with a load of crap and sell it for a premium price. If people can download - and pay for - only what they want, the music business won't be able to sell stuff nobody wants, which they've gotten used to doing. I wonder what percentage of music downloads are done by people under 20? There's something vaguely absurd about the RIAA suing 12 year olds.....