Found an interesting post at MicroTechXP calling attention to a recent report from ARS Technica that detailed some of the latest nonsense from the RIAA.

Apparently, the beloved keepers-of-all-things-copywritten, have found their latest victim to “make an example of.” The best part of the RIAAs latest witch hunt is a statement from their lead counsel, Jennifer Pariser.

When asked whether it was wrong for consumers to make copies of CD they had purchased, Pariser responded:

“When an individual makes a copy of a song for himself, I suppose we can say he stole a song. Making “a copy” of a song you own is just “a nice way of saying ’steals just one copy”

With statements such as those it’s very clear that the RIAA is desperately trying to stay alive in an industry rapidly redefining itself. With that response Pariser made it clear that the RIAA is ready to sue anyone and anything for any reason. Sounds to me more like a last ditch effort to justify their existence.

I highly doubt that any of this is about the record companies anymore. The RIAA, along with BMI and ASCAP, are nothing more than “middle-men” stealing profits from the hard work of others in the name of “copy protection.” Basically, they’re just another form of organized crime. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the RIAA hasn’t done much diversification and therefore they have to vehemently protect their little corner of “copyright protection.” If they fail (crossing my fingers and my toes), the free ride is over.

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