Ok.

I've read so much in the last few years about the RIAA vs copyright infringement.... illegal downloading, chasing little kids and/or single moms.

After reading through this, I find the claims could get silly..... or sillier....

I'd like to make my position clear first... I don't really believe in taking music without paying the artist unless the artist is actually giving the consumer the choice (ala Radiohead.... which was brilliant). I believe in paying for music.

I do believe that a great advantage lies with consumers checking out services like iTunes, where as they can preview much of an album. Years back, I used to buy many CDs... and let me tell you, there were so many that only featured one decent song it made me sick. Now, I'll buy "the song" on iTunes if I choose.

Anyways.... here's where it gets fuzzy.

The RIAA now claims in the suit VS Jeffrey Howell that any legally purchased CD cannot be ripped into mp3 or similar format.... if this was ruled in favor of the RIAA, can you imagine just how many people who bought CDs and ripped them for their iPods and other MP3 players would be infringing on copyrights??? many many many.

I think that is purely nuts.

Imagine. Technology comes out, and certain markets begin to change.... technology changes again.... and all of a sudden, some rather large "vendors" notice their sales dip... they then notice the market for their product had changed (and it really had)... they failed on a new business opportunities.

They battle in courts on licensing issues....

Then, years after the battles began, they claim new damages resulting in technologies and practices that they failed to claim all along.... again... missing where their actual market is in today's age.

If I purchase music, I want to be able to back it up. Because the technology exists and I don't want to pay 4 times for the same album.

If I purchase music, I want to be able to play it in my car, on my MP3 player, because the technology exists... I'm not buying the album 4 times for 4 different formats.

If laws must be changed, I think that for both the consumer and the business... that when you purchase an album, you should have right to that music in whatever format. Not that you're gonna get a free CD if you bought it on iTunes, but if you bought it on iTunes, you burn it on CD... if you buy a CD, you should be able to rip it.

In my opinion (and I'm just some bozzo on the bus) the RIAA is either still lagging sorely behind where consumers are (and desire to be) or they are just trying to  get some extra cash with lawsuits and pressuring law makers and courts.

That's 2 cents worth.

(Check out this article)