So much hoopla has been issued over the past decade or so regarding RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and free media file exchange services like Limewire. This week they sought to recoup an estimated $1 billion (say it like Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers movies). You can read more about that from Mashable.com. What is wrong with this picture? Now I am not condoning piracy, but if no money is exchanging hands has the law actually been broken? According the Federal judges who all but closed down Napster and now aim to do the same of Limewire, they are breaking the copyright laws.
So you better watch out swapping songs and ringtones by bluetooth kiddies! The RIAA is looking for you!

But wait a tick…Does trading all those freebies eventually lead to buying the real thing? Amazon.com reported earlier this year that mp3 sales overtook CD sales. I am certain that other large etailers and traditional big-box stores with online presence are reporting the same dynamics. Is the demise of Napster the reason? I think not. So where is all the money going???

The RIAA has also been actively pursuing a “song play fee” on radio stations. As if having to pay big money to BMI and ASCAP is not enough? Isn’t that a bit like biting the hand that feeds you? There currently is legislation on the table that has already passed the Senate and is up for debate later this summer in the House of Representatives. “Isn’t it odd” note – satellite stations are exempt from this fee but internet stations are not. Hmmmm…. I suppose we will continue to see the proliferation of talk radio on traditional over-the-air stations and an explosion of stations playing “Indie” music on the internet. For the record, it is much easier to get permission directly from the artist to air their songs.

What do you think? Is the RIAA forgetting their roots? Who’s getting all of this money anyway? It sure isn’t the radio stations!!

Advertisement