The 12 year old girl's mother stated that they paid for Kazaa's premium download service, which she thought meant that the material was being downloaded legitamately - that the songs were legal. The RIAA is seeking as much as $150,000 (USD) PER SONG. Oddly, I do not recall CDs being nearly that expensive. I do not see CD sales skyrocketing in light of the lawsuits. I do see excessive legal bills and fines being applied to "evil music pirates".

For those of you who live in the United States of America, think about this. Your lawmakers are fine with the RIAA's actions. They even support it. These same awmakers are the ones who have passed legislature that has bastardized and massively extended copyright law and duration of copyright, giving massive power - both legal and economic - to publishers. Now, I ask you to add this to the thoughts: Who voted for these politicians? Who put these people who are openly bought by the lobbyists, money from industry purchasing votes to implement law?

The answer, especially if you are 18 or older: YOU DID.

There is little doubt that the RIAA's business moldel is dated, inefficient, and dying in the current economic condition. Their sales will never return to what they once knew. The RIAA is very reluctant to change - change in their eyes is a bad thing, because it will inherently cause them to lose control.

This entire situation, though, is perposterous. This is beyond stupid. And it needs to come to a quick and final end.

Talk to the voters. Right now, the majority of the populace doesn't give a shit. They will believe anything the media tells them. They are bombarded with images of evil people downloading files, sucking the life out of musicians and breaking the law. Is this really the case? I think the simplified answer is "no". The marketplace has changed, and the public is starting to realize this. But change will not come from the establishment, as they are established and change is bad.

How do you make that happen?

First thing to do: When an election comes around - vote. And don't vote without being informed. Learn about your candidates and where they stand.

Secondly: Write the current legistlators. Let them you know are unhappy with their actions and position regarding these issues. They need to know these things, as the votes are the ones who put them in office.

Thirdly: Stop buying CDs. Hit the RIAA where they'll feel it.

Fourthly: Ignore music downloads, unless the band themselves have authorized it. Go to concerts to directly support the bands.