COURT: RIAA CAN'T HAVE NAMES OF DOWNLOADERS

Drudge Report ^

[rit]

Federal appeals court on Friday rejected efforts by recording industry to compel nation's Internet providers to identify subscribers accused of illegally distributing music online.

[jgrubbs]

If someone can't afford to pay 88 cents to download a song legally from Wal-Mart's Web site, then they don't need to have Internet access. The music is there because some of us actually pay for the music. Those who download without paying are stealing and what I call "digital welfare" whores.

[EPD]

"For the record, where/what is the best download site?"

Would you ask a shoplifter where the best stores are to snatch candy? That's the same equivilant of your question. : (

[Tree of Liberty]

Unfortunately, there will be no more updates to Kazaa Lite++, at least officially. Kazaa proper sued them and forced to take any mention of the program off their web site. You can still find the last version of it around, as well as previous versions, though.

[ChuckShick]

Awesome, if you couple this with yesterdays rulings, Jose Padilla and his terrorist brethren on Guantanomo will be able to download freely without being harrassed by the recording industry. Hallelujah!

[SB00]

I may be in the minority here but even though I'm no fan of the arrogant and backwards RIAA, I don't think taking away the consequences of stealing music is something to celebrate.

[Tree of Liberty]

WinMX is good. I tried Earthstation5, but could never get it configured correctly. Also, the fact that their HQ is in the West Bank makes me a little dubious.

[mylife]

Unfortunately, there will be no more updates to Kazaa Lite++, at least officially. Kazaa proper sued them and forced to take any mention of the program off their web site.

Hmmm, I was unaware of that. I had thought it was distributed by Sharman.

[rit]

I don't think taking away the consequences of stealing music is something to celebrate

The courts did not take that "right" away. They simply ruled that RIAA was not entitled to the names. There is a defeat in this though, in that Verizon tried to argue the DMCA, and the courts did not want to touch that.

[Old Professer]

Some people don't ever seem to understand, the meaning of freedom is not found in a cereal box.

[jgrubbs]

I may be in the minority here but even though I'm no fan of the arrogant and backwards RIAA, I don't think taking away the consequences of stealing music is something to celebrate.

I wouldn't say you are in the minority amongst conservatives, maybe amongst libertarians who think they should have the liberty to steal music online.

[Tree of Liberty]

No. Kazaa is made and distributed by Sharman Networks (an Oz company, I believe). Kazaa Lite ++ is a hack of Kazaa that took out all the spyware and added a few goodies that made the program more useful.

[Charlotte Corday]

The P2P systems are good if you know exactly what you are looking for, especially if you have "Top 40" tastes.

But if you like non-mainstream music or want to expand your playlist, you cannot beat the Usenet mp3 scene. The learning curve is a little tougher but it's well worth it.

Start here to learn the basics:

[SB00]

Why was this in court - was this an appeal of the original ruling that got the whole lawsuit process going?

I wonder if people who already settled with the RIAA can sue them right back to recover their funds?

[Scarchin]

This is a good thing - an example of evolutionary capitalism. Music is extremely overpriced and performers are grossly overpaid. Think of your local paper. Are you willing to pay for delivery instead of borrowing your neighbors copy? We don't mind paying for our own newspapers and magazines. That would change if the price of the daily newspaper was $5 a copy. Newspaper writers and columnists are not multi-millionaires - why should some kid who writes rock songs be? This whole thing will bring the price of CDs etc. down to a reasonable price.

[Old Professer]

Every song available was purchased at retail at one time; the issue is file-sharing, not file-stealing.

The court is only interested in whether it is within the framework of the law to force third party service providers to become instruments of the court.

[Charlotte Corday]

I don't think taking away the consequences of stealing music is something to celebrate.

The consequences have not changed. All that's happening is that the same subpoena processes are going to have to be applied as in the allegation of any other crime.

[dennisw]

Meanwhile RIAA really cracked down on KazaaLite which is the most popular/pervasive file sharing program. Very hard to find places to download it these days. All been shut down. You have to get it from a friend.

KazaaLite file sharing is still very active. But getting the KazaaLite program to get started can be a minor hassle.

[ßuddaßudd]

Yes, I have those same feelings about EarthStation5 also. I generally go there for the weirder stuff I may be looking for.

[SB00]

Ah, I see. Thanks.

[bert]

Well not exactly. The concept of intellectual is flawed. Thought is free.

There is no constraint on thought except in the mind of a lawyer earning a fee.