boycott-riaa.com - Article: Odds and Ends for Week 4 of Jan 2007

Odds and Ends for Week 4 of Jan 2007

Posted by Mike (Shmoo) on January 30, 2007 at 6:52 PM (printer friendly)

1. Use "Odds and Ends" for things having to do with the Boycott Riaa effort and/or our community only. Just because we call it an "open thread" does not mean it is a free-for-all place to act like a troll, post spam, or other unhelpful garbage.

2. Twarrior is encouraged to delete (or move) ANY crap that gets posted in "Odds and Ends" if he sees fit to do so.

3. A main PURPOSE of "Odds and Ends" is to have a place where we can post quick links to items that are of interest without having to hit the submit button and await admin approval to get the word out.

4. Another PURPOSE is to have a place to chat about things that are not quite on-topic enough for any of the other currently existing articles found at Boycott Riaa.

5. This is NOT a place to deliberately start-up flame wars.

6. This is NOT a place to deliberately start-up flame wars.

7. Yes, it needed said TWICE!

8. RESPECTFUL criticism of admin and/or other Boycott Riaa users is allowed and encouraged as always. (Keyword = RESPECTFUL)

9. If you are just going to show your ugly at someone else who participates at this site, don't do it here! Send them a private e-mail or Dnote or something. The rest of us don't want to see it anymore.

User Comments (These do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of this site)


independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:22 PM Microsoft is working to launch the Zune media player in Europe by the end of the year. According to the Washington Post article, they are trying to have a realistic outlook on the entrenched Apple product line. They're not trying to play catch-up at the moment ... they're just trying to get on the map.

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:24 PM A post has been put up on the Vista team blog explaining exactly how the content protection works.

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:25 PM Bloomberg is reporting that, at one point, Microsoft had considered an Apple/iPod partnership before it released it's own MP3 player.

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:28 PM Jon Newton is putting p2pnet.net up for sale. "Short version: I'm afraid time and money have run out for p2pnet.net and I'm going to have to sell it. I'm looking for offers starting at $30,000. If you're interested and you'd like to talk about possibilities, please email me at p2pnetsale@shaw.ca and I'll be glad to call you back, anywhere in the world [I have a Vonage phone] or you can call me." --Jon

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:37 PM Boucher: Three Telecom Issues To Rule Early Debate

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:40 PM Apple to Charge MacBook Users for What They Already Purchased Apple claims that charging for software updates is an acceptable practice and is necessary for accounting purposes. According to Apple spokeswoman Lynn Fox, Apple requires users to pay up for the software update and indicated that it was normal procedure.

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:41 PM With arrest of DJ Drama, the law takes aim at mixtapes

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:48 PM This is from August of last year, but it's the first I heard of it and I don't think anyone else here posted anything about it: Musical IPO's? Sellaband offers fan financing a new twist? How it works: Artists sign up and seek "believers" (fans who put money where their mouth is). Believers pay 10$ / "part" to own a little piece of the band they love, and when the kitty reaches $50,000, the artist is assigned an "experienced A&R person to guide your recording process. Together with a top Producer you get the chance to record a collection of your best songs in a state-of-the-art Studio." -------- Smells a little bit like a "scam" to me, but I have not researched it. --Shmoo

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 7:57 PM Twarrior, are you checking the contacts database? http://admin.dmusic.com/contacts/ (See if your Dmusic user/pass is valid, if not, get Jack or whomever to get you the keys to that door. I don't have the ability to check it more than once a week or so anymore due to my schedual.) ======== Anyhow, here's a comment from our "contact us" inbox: Message: A letter I sent the MPA or MPIA or whatever alphabet they use these days: We the masses do not need nor want your corporate music, it is not of or by we the people. As you invest in lawyers to inhibit access to your tablature on free sites which actually promote your so called artist we simply use our superior minds to learn what we like by ear. If you intend to next sue us for listening to your corporate music choices, what audience will you have left? After all you sell an audio medium. Will you next take out the eyes of movie watchers who might see a free picture of your corporate products. Your sham claim of copyright infringement and your real greed for money has distanced you further from the mass market. You only have a small percentage left and that too is dwindling. I might remind you that we the people created the product that you have stolen from the real artist and we will continue to create new and better art without your involvement. You need us to survive, we don't need you. You have bitten the hand that feeds you. And as time goes by your product continues to be outdated and passe' like all art becomes. This is just one last attempt on your part to save a sinking ship. Your attempts are not attracting consumers but repelling them. You can not twist the arm of someone to make them like you. We will educate the young artist with our art not your product. Here's hoping you enjoy your decline into extinction, and your actually paying legal firms to help. Who's laughing last? hahahahaha !!!!!

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 8:08 PM Another thing from that "contacts database' inbox: Message: Other than wanting to get my band listed on your artist page, I was emailing you guys to tell you that I'm glad to see someone standing up for artists in these times. The record companies take the copyright from the artists who deserve it, and stick the artists with, if they're lucky, $1-2 for every CD sold. They're making a killing, while the artist keeps working his ass off for a few dollars. They think we're the criminals? They are the criminals. http://www.myspace.com/stilldrivenmobile Thanks again guys. ======= Twarrior, you might want to list them as "Certified Artists"

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 8:14 PM Hmm... One more item from the inbox: Message: OFFICIAL STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO �MAN IN GORILLA SUIT ARRESTED AT MLK PARADE� Thursday, January 18, 2007 �I am extremely disappointed at the stories that have been reported regarding my arrest at the MLK celebration held in Naples, Florida. So many incorrect facts have been thrown around that those that have spoken about the incident have completely missed the point of why I was there, and what I was doing. I should not be surprised by the negative media coverage I have received, as it was the �media� itself that I was protesting. In particular, Clear Channel Radio Station 105.5 The Beat, who were present in full force at that particular event. I have had many run-ins with certain DJ�s there over their irresponsibility, non-support, misrepresentation, and sheer �bashing� of our community. So it is no surprise to me that they launched personal attacks on not only myself, but also my wife and children. I can prove that their ill feelings towards me run deep, and this has been going on for some time. Somehow, this has been twisted to make people think that racism was involved. It was not.� �When my wife spoke to the media, she explained what the �Owned By NIGGAZZ� statement meant, but of course, it had been edited out. Slavery is still in full effect within the music industry today, and the corporations responsible for that are the ones that I was �sticking the finger up� at. Because of that, I have been misquoted, misrepresented, called names, had radio DJ�s incite hatred, and had those same DJ�s speak disrespectfully about my wife and children. I ask all of you that have slandered my family, to set the record straight, and report the full story - not just the pieces you WANT to take out of context and report in an effort to portray me as YOU wish to see me. I can not believe that a few of my own people have fed into this garbage, knowing that �divide & conquer� moves are alive and kicking within our race.� �Why am I launching a protest of our local Clear Channel radio station? I suggest you read an article I wrote some months ago � titled �RIP Hip Hop� (The article was later renamed �If Hip Hop is Dead, Here�s My Tribute�, after Nas released �Hip Hop is Dead�), so that you can see how strongly I feel about what corporate America is doing to our culture. I am extremely frustrated that companies such as Clear Channel will not open the door to our people. My protest was in SUPPORT of ALL independent recording artists that are forced to sell their souls to a record label just to be heard. Then when they get the opportunity to BE heard, they have no option to rap about anything other than black-on-black crime, being a �dope-boy�, or degrading FAMILY values by dragging down our women. Non-compliance = no airplay. Hence the lack of KRS-1, Common, Talib Kweli (among others) on your local radio stations. There are too many highly talented young men and women that should not have to be FORCED to sign away their rights to EVERYTHING (including their dignity), to these giants, just to make some spare change. The major labels KEEP these artists in debt to them and unable to make any money outside of the contracts. Without the inclusion of INDEPENDENT artists on radio, corporations are able to monopolize the industry. I do hope that more and more artists stand up and say no to the major labels that do not have the best interests of our culture, our people or our community at heart. I am not a rapper or a singer, but I do have friends that deserve an opportunity to be heard without compromising their financial or creative freedom to gain one or two cents on an album.� �Of course, there was never any intention to offend or disrespect anybody, except for those that the protest was aimed at (and they know who they are). I have spent approximately three years fighting against the negative, purposeless, brain-washing material that is repeatedly broadcast (not just in music but by the DJ�s there that will NEVER understand our culture). I have mostly kept my protests against them clean and fought to bring attention to this to bring about a change � as you see, I am still fighting for that change. But look what happens as soon as I use the �N� word� ALL the media attention I could have dreamed of� POINT PROVED. Would I have received this attention by putting the statement �black-owned� on the back of the shirt? No. Why? Because a corporation does not hold any value to a black man. However, NIGGAZZ are their bread & butter, hip-hop is mainstream, and with hip-hop comes the �N� word. Anybody who says they were offended by my statement is a hypocrite. You all have friends or family members that use the word, even if you claim to have never used it yourself. If you have a problem with MY statement, I suggest you bite your tongue REAL hard next time you use the word. Some may say my timing was inappropriate, I say it was the right time to keep the fight alive. The struggle has not ended for us, yet too many of us have ceased fighting. NOW is the time for everybody to take action. We can�t rely on Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton to do everything for us. We have to do some things for ourselves, in the best way that we know how, and in a way that we believe works for us. Martin Luther King fought for me to have the rights to do what I did, and I intend to make full use of those rights to continue the fight. And honestly, I believe he would rather us USE our rights than to think that he fought in vain.� �Could I have just sent 105.5 The Beat a letter instead? Tried it. Made phone calls? Tried it. Protested their other events? Tried it. Asked the music director nicely? Tried that too, but the response I got from the music director and the advertising manager was, �I�m sick of financing these rappers� lifestyles while I drive bu****it, and if I let you in, then all y�all will be up in here�. ALL US WHO? All us NIGGAZZ that�s who. �All y�all� that purchase tickets to their events, �All y�all� that spend money with their advertisers. Oh, it goes much deeper than that, but for the sake of time, I�ll just say that without those rappers they�re so sick of, they would not have a job. The �N� word they claim to be against PAYS THEIR BILLS. If you are REALLY against use of the word, work at a different station, not a hip-hop station. Stop getting paid from the exploitation of the word, and of our people. You are hypocrites.� Now let�s be real, as long as the corporate giants continue with their fascination of the �N� word, it will never go away. People will never stop using it like it or not. Rappers, comedians and the streets have claimed ownership of one of the most commonly used words in America, and they have turned the word around to the point where people of all races use it with pride and dignity. If rednecks can be proud to be called a redneck, I can be proud of what I choose to call myself too. And believe me, I am very proud of who I am, and extremely proud of my people, particularly those that have had the courage to take a risk in an effort to bring attention to a cause where changes need to be made. �And who the hell was ignorant enough to try to connect a gorilla with a black man? Now that is offensive. In my life, I have never heard the words �black people evolved from gorilla�s�, until now. If a black police officer thinks he is a gorilla, or represents a gorilla then we should be praying for him, there is something very wrong with his self-esteem. (which is the reason behind the arrest, not because I didn�t leave the park � I had already left the park, I was actually on the road looking for my wife so I could get my car keys from her when I was called back in the opposite direction by one police officer while the other one crept up behind me and jumped me from behind, and later started shouting �taser�up� and later tried to kill me). He can believe in the theory of evolution if he wishes to, that is his choice, but I believe in God. Actually, that same officer had recognized me from a previous incident when I was parked in the road in the local neighborhood protesting against police brutality and the shooting of one of my neighbors who was killed by the police within the last few months. Yes, just me and a microphone plugged into my car stereo, in full protest in the street surrounded by about half a dozen police cars with none of them knowing what to do. I later took the young man�s mother to City Hall to speak with the Naples City Manger, but he was more interested in helping somebody with a parking space. She still has had no offer of help, or received any answers. In fact, she was not even informed that her son had been killed. She found out through a third party. So just to be clear, what you thought you saw was not a guy in a �gorilla suit�. That was Gheddy the Guerilla; he has his own fan base, a large one. And the Guerilla outfit is synonymous of MY personality, because that is how I choose to do things. Being passive and agreeable gets nobody anywhere. Those that know me, know I fight FOR my people, not against them, and they are in full support of my protest. I guarantee that in the past two years I have put in more work than our local chapter of the NAACP. I have previously asked them for help on issues, and they have shown me how much help they are prepared to offer for our young black men in this City. Just three days before this celebration, I attended a silent protest held by the family of Terrance Williams. Also present were the family of Felipe Santos. The two young men (both minorities), had never met, but they were both last seen on separate occasions with the SAME Collier County Deputy over three years ago. They have not been seen since. The Deputy was fired for giving inconsistencies in his stories, he failed a lie detector test, but no charges have been brought against him. I did not see any member of the NAACP there to fight on their behalf, something I found deeply disturbing. So NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, will somebody PLEASE air the phone call that was made (from the 911 operator on duty at the time Terrance Williams� mother tried calling to report him missing), to that particular Deputy, because this is an issue that is VERY worthy of National attention. Am I the only person that places value on the lives of these two young men? We are on our own down here, and I see nobody else stepping up to bring any attention to what is going on around here. I have made documentaries to bring attention to issues we face, but the corporation I paid to have the shows aired refused to air them, I fought and I won. No longer will a black man in this community be told what they can and cannot put on TV. But like many black men with a cause, there will be people who try to turn his own people against him. It has happened to many, and will always happen. I ask that you focus on my reason �why� and not my method of �how�, because how doesn�t matter if you know your reason why. I did not wear the �N� word to cause offense or disrespect anybody, and I am fully aware that there are people who may be uncomfortable with the word. I used it to make a bold statement against those that try to keep us down.� How anybody would dare say that I don�t love my own people is beyond my understanding. I spend a lot of time with my people on the streets bringing knowledge, education and inspiration to those who need it most. These are people that the church cannot reach. People that will not pick up and read a newspaper to find out what�s going on. I encourage them to use their skills and do something positive with them. I encourage FAMILY values, and I do talk about the corruption in our society, and I do this in a language that the people I am reaching out to to try and motivate can understand. Show me somebody who loves their people more than I do, I would really like to meet them (genuinely). We could really use some assistance around here.�

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 8:21 PM Twarrior, the e-mail contact info of the above couple of posts is in the "marked as read" portion of the contacts database if you want to follow up on any of it. (I don't openly post e-mail addys from any of the inbox stuff unless it seems I am asked specifically to do so.) --Shmoo

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 8:44 PM In regards to that "offensively titled" article from last week (Zune sucks c**k thru a hole) You DO have the ability (and duty) to edit any titles or article content, even if posted by someone else and/or found at another site. (Simply point out the fact that you have edited the item for "foul language" or whatever if need be ...and/or you feel the need to let readers know you have done a bit of editing.) If the reader chooses to read the item in its' "original glory" ...well, that's why we try to provide links to each and every out-sourced thing we post. ======= Reader/visitor comments are DIFFERENT from things we select as being "front page articles" in this regard. (I know, I know. I am probably guilty of tossing in "blue words" from time to time too within articles I wrote and/or have posted. But it was a mistake to have done so in each instance.) Sorry to fuss at ya, but everyone who has complained is right in that we need to present ourselves a little more respectfully and responsibly as a website. (At least, we who are admin/long-timer's do.) Boycott Riaa was never intended to be "for the kiddies" ...however, we NEED to realize that many readers ARE underage and/or have sensitive ears.

independentm...	Date: January 21, 2007 @ 8:47 PM In other words, if you come across something that you want to post, but some of the content is "blue" EDIT it (and SAY that you have edited it for whatever reason) ...and provide the link for those who want to read the original.

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 10:49 AM US attorney General Alberto Gonzales actually had the audacity to argue before a Congressional committee that the US Constitution doesn't explicitly bestow habeas corpus rights on US citizens. In his view it merely says when the so-called Great Writ can be suspended, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the rights are granted.

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 10:53 AM Blu-ray copy-protection technology has been sidestepped by muslix64, the same hacker who bypassed the DRM technology of rival HD DVD discs last month.

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 10:55 AM iTunes DRM called out by France and Germany Apple is being challenged once again to open up its DRM by consumer groups in Europe. This time, Germany and France have joined the slowly-growing number of countries who are asking Apple to allow the protected songs purchased from the iTunes Store to be played on other music players besides the iPod.

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 12:10 PM Microsoft to use comics in antipiracy campaign lol, had they not heard of what happened to "Captain Copyright"

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 12:12 PM CPI suing FCC to get at real state of broadband competition in the US

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 12:14 PM In BMG v. Does 1-4, California "John Doe" case, last summer, Court rejected joinder of Does 2-4, dismissed as to them UMG v. Hightower, case in Houston, Texas Court denies Ms. Lindor's son's request for expert witess fees; Maverick v. Goldshteyn case settled Best regards. Ray http://recordingindustryvspeople.blogspot.com http://info.riaalawsuits.us

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 12:19 PM Folks, this link is to an offer by an indie-website found in my personal e-mail: http://indimu.com/biv1.htm Does anyone think they are legitimate, valid, and/or worthy? (or is it just spam?)

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 12:22 PM Record Labels Contemplate Unrestricted Digital Music

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 12:49 PM Ray Beckerman's Hollywood Reporter Article

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 12:50 PM 9th Circuit rejects constitutional challenge to copyright laws in Kahle v. Gonzales

gdZiemann	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 1:37 PM Tell the FCC what you think of payola.

independentm...	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 2:10 PM Sh*t George, THAT belongs on the front page! (Don't your keys work anymore?) Oh well, I'll post it for ya.

gdZiemann	Date: January 24, 2007 @ 8:21 PM Uh, I haven't tried the keys in years.

pepe512000	Date: January 26, 2007 @ 1:54 PM http://www.nytimes.com/iht/2007/01/25/technology/IHT-25ptend25.html Wow, my letter to John Kennedy paid off.. :)

pessimist	Date: January 26, 2007 @ 3:01 PM "With each passing day -- and some insiders are saying that CD sales in 2007 are already markedly below a year ago -- it is becoming clear that someone will have to pay to make the digital music business easier for consumers." "Whether it is the device makers like Microsoft and Apple, Internet access companies, or the music industry itself, I don't think it matters much to consumers: The cost will get passed down to us in the end, anyway." "The cost will get passed down to consumers in the end, anyway." That's a bottom line the industry can take to the bank, isn't it? :(

pessimist	Date: January 26, 2007 @ 3:04 PM P.S. The glass is half empty. The sky is partly cloudy. Our nation's best years are in the past. Midlife means your life is half over. Life doesn't BEGIN at 40 (it starts going downhill after that, if not before.) Etc., etc. --the pessimist

pepe512000	Date: January 26, 2007 @ 3:55 PM pessimist Here..I've been dying to share this cause it sure made me laugh...maybe you could use a good laugh as well? For those of us with children....Interesting statistics.... 1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep. 2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite. 3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant. 4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room. 5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way. 6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan. 7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late. 8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it. 9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies. 10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy. 11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence. 12.) Super glue is forever. 13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water. 14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O. 15.) VCR's do not eject "PB & J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do. 16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes. 17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving. 18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is. 19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens. 20.) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time. 21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy. 22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy. 23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy. 24.) 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids. 25.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid. Yea, let us know how that one works out... :)

pessimist	Date: January 26, 2007 @ 6:35 PM Okay, well, at least you got a few smirks out of me. Seriously, though, that part about cats being able to throw up more than their body weight is just a bit unscientific, you know. I guess it was meant as a joke? And I also am VERY doubtful about 80% of men trying to mix Chlorox with brake fluid just for the heck of it. Sorry; I'll call myself "skeptic" on those issues, but reserve my right to retain my pessimist license anyway. :)

pepe512000	Date: January 26, 2007 @ 11:42 PM I don't know, I've got three cats and I'm sure that's pretty accurate at times..sure seems like it..anyway, as long as you had a bit of a laugh, I guess that makes it worth it.

pepe512000	Date: January 27, 2007 @ 11:48 AM I just learned that the judge in Canada who thwarted the riaa/cria, when he decided "making avalable" was not ingringment, let alone stealing, is now to head our Canadian Radio Television Commission ...all I can say is WOW! This is going to get really interesting methinks. http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/1638/196/

CodeWarrior	Date: January 27, 2007 @ 6:19 PM I actually just realized I actually work FOR my four cats. I go to work every day to earn the money to buy their food and litter, and when I get home, they start crying for me to feed them, and in the morning, they wake me up to feed them. Is the glass half empty or half full? Neither, the glass is twice as large as it should be.

pepe512000	Date: January 27, 2007 @ 8:13 PM ingringment? that's classsic :) About the cats...you're right about working for them...I still think they're of another planet and sure got us straightened out fast! And count your blessings..you have a built in alarm system :)

pessimist	Date: January 27, 2007 @ 10:49 PM Off topic: There's supposed to be an editorial mentioning about how Bush may be planning to attack Iran, and if so, he can be excused for his actions � he's got mad cowboy disease.

independentm...	Date: January 28, 2007 @ 12:18 AM YouTube Hears The Users Calling and Agrees To Finally Give Them Some Money Only crumbs being promised thus far, but we'll wait and see.

independentm...	Date: January 28, 2007 @ 12:56 AM Tv battles p2p pirates.

independentm...	Date: January 28, 2007 @ 12:58 AM Only %40 of Americans think that downloading movies is a serious crime.

independentm...	Date: January 28, 2007 @ 12:59 AM Hayek, Network Neutrality, and Coercion

independentm...	Date: January 28, 2007 @ 12:47 PM Michelle Santangelo's lawyer makes motion to be admitted pro hac vice Transcripts of November 30th proceedings in UMG v. Lindor filed Hollywood Reporter article on Elektra v. Barker, case scheduled for argument Friday January 26th Best regards. Ray http://recordingindustryvspeople.blogspot.com http://info.riaalawsuits.us

independentm...	Date: January 28, 2007 @ 1:06 PM The following was in our inbox: Message: To the RIAA: "We will continue to steal your content until the RIAA will cease its business practices. There is no need for you anymore, we are in control of our music now. The days of us over-paying for your content are over, and we steal your content in massive quantity. Nothing you do can make us stop, we are here to stay. It would be in your best interest to quit while youre still ahead (financially), your law suits and legal paperwork will do nothing for people like me. I will say again that you are no longer needed, the internet has taken your place and everything is cheaper then what you charge, if not free. The bands can promote their music online then make up by playing concerts and selling merchandise. You suits will never get the picture. You made the same arguement with the invention of radio and tape players, and this time its for real. As long as the average user can get his or her content, you will no longer have any say. Your threats and intimidation are not the way to do business, and you have no interest in your artists, you exist only to sue the same people that you have been ripping off for years. Even your artists dont condone what you do, maybe its time you throw in the towel and give up. In conclusion: We will continue to steal your product and there is nothing you can do about it. For every person you sue, 1000 more will take its place. The newsgroups and peer to peer networks are still very active, and we enjoy our free content since you are unable to sensefully negotiate with the public."

autodidact	Date: January 28, 2007 @ 7:15 PM "Tv battles p2p pirates. " I'm recording 24 in high definition. Perfectly legal. Why are their knickers in such a knot about people downloading a crappier version?

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 7:55 AM CodeWarrior sent this one in: Levi�s Turns to Suing Its Rivals Levi Strauss claims that legions of competitors have stolen its signature denim stitches � two intersecting arcs and a cloth label � for their own pockets, slapping them on the seats of high-priced, hip-hugging jeans that have soared in popularity. So Levi's is becoming a leader in a new arena: lawsuits. The company, once the undisputed king of denim and now a case study in missed opportunities, has emerged as the most litigious in the apparel industry when it comes to trademark infringement lawsuits, firing off nearly 100 against its competitors since 2001. That's far more than General Motors, Walt Disney or Nike, according to an analysis by research firm Thomson West.

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 9:26 AM Sent in by InsaneWayne: Microsoft copies BlueJ, admits it, then patents it

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 9:42 AM EFF Warns ABC to Back Off Blogger "Copyright law is not designed to silence speech that you dislike," said EFF Staff Attorney Matt Zimmerman. "ABC and KSFO know that their legal threats were absolutely groundless. Their time and efforts are better spent explaining why they think Spocko is wrong, and letting the public decide, instead of resorting to thuggish legal tactics."

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 9:46 AM The Right Way to Respond to Parody For this post Recently, Darren Barefoot posted Get a First Life, a hysterical parody of virtual world Second Life's website. Linden Labs, the creators of Second Life, responded with a letter that is so right-thinking and clever that it would horrify the over-reaching copyright and trademark holders whose missives litter the archives of ChillingEffects.org Instead of a cease-and-desist letter, Linden Labs sent a proceed-and-permit letter

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 9:50 AM The Broadcasting Treaty Creeps Forward Despite Disagreement

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 10:07 AM Net Neutrality Act On the Agenda Again On January 9th, Republican Senator Olympia Snowe and Democrat Byron Dorgan reintroduced the bill popularly known as the Net Neutrality Act, and officially called the Internet Freedom Preservation Act. The bill was killed in the Senate last year in a vote split along party lines (Democrats yea, Republicans no), with the exception of Senator Snowe, who voted with the Democrats. Now that the Democrats have a slight majority in the Senate, the bill certainly has a better chance, but it still needs 60 votes to prevent a Republican filibuster.

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 10:09 AM Vista's legal fine print raises red flags

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 10:26 AM Bobby Santangelo to the RIAA: "Hey Jon," said Bobby. "First I want to thank everyone for sticking by me and my family. I wouldn't have been able to do this without them. While I don't totally understand everything in the answer, I know that what we're doing is important. I think the worst part so far was trying to turn me against my friends and them against me. That makes me sad and angry. But now it's my turn to fight and, with my mom's help to stick up for teenagers everywhere, that's what I'm going to do. Thanks!"

independentm...	Date: January 31, 2007 @ 10:27 AM The above is from P2pnet.net

Dreddsnik	Date: February 2, 2007 @ 9:31 AM http://billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i42a5a8761181e99a65fba99e9b864b9e Indies not getting the same deal as Majors, now that Youtube has gone corporate ????? I am in SHOCK !!

pepe512000	Date: February 2, 2007 @ 10:50 AM Friday Funny It's groundhog day.....and who can forget that immortal poem by Red Green? It is Spring (?) The groundhog comes out of his hole and sees his shadow. It is the shadow of my right front tire. That means that winter will last another six weeks But not for him. :( Happy Groundhog day everyone!

pessimist	Date: February 2, 2007 @ 11:39 PM The happy thing for "everyone" did not include parts of Florida, obviously. Poor Floridians. Their state motto could be: "Florida - storm state". There, it's often hurricanes in summer, and it can even be tornadoes in winter.