Posted on 06/04/2006 3:10:19 PM PDT by Star Traveler
The country has far more serious problems to worry about than to bring pressure on the Russians over music. Ever hear of Iran? Probably not, the RIAA only cares about the it's money. As far as the RIAA and the music industry, I just don't care and neither does most of America.
I went to Moscow with my boss last year. If you've ever been there, you know that people sell tables full of books on every other corner. My boss stopped at one and picked up one of his own textbooks and laughed; it was selling for less than $5. On Amazon, it goes for close to a hundred.
Funny stuff, really. The Russians care even less what the RIAA says than I do. You really have been in the music or film business too long because you seem to believe that our copyright laws are of interest to the Russians. What economic pressure are you going to use over this? Please answer with another funny statement.
If you don't believe me, read the following, from Uncle Sam himself.
From the Office of the United States Trade Representative:
The 2006 "Special 301" annual review examines in detail the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property rights protection in 87 countries. Based on a lengthy process of information gathering and analysis, the United States Trade Representative has identified 48 countries that are designated in the categories of Priority Watch List, Watch List, or Section 306 Monitoring. The Special 301 Report reflects the Administration’s resolve to take consistently strong actions under the Special 301 provisions of the Trade Act of 1974.
From the "Priority Watch List" of the 2006 Special 301 Review:
RUSSIA
Russia will remain on the Priority Watch List in 2006. Despite some improvements in IPR enforcement this year, the United States continues to have serious concerns about the continued increase in optical disc pirate production in Russian plants and the growth of Internet piracy on Russian websites such as www.allofmp3.com. The United States is particularly concerned about piracy in optical disc factories located on government-owned facilities. In addition, the current draft of the proposed Part IV of the Civil Code, which would replace existing IPR laws, raises questions about its compliance with international norms and the possible adverse effect it could have, if passed, on IPR protection and enforcement in Russia. The Administration, U.S. industry, and the U.S. Congress share these concerns. The United States urges Russia to address these issues and to provide stronger IPR protection and enforcement—objectives which Russia’s top leaders have identified as a priority.
Russia has made progress in some areas during the past year, such as increasing the number of raids on pirate optical disc facilities, including those located in government-controlled areas. Seizures of pirated goods and the equipment used to manufacture them have increased. Russia has also taken some steps, although unsuccessfully so far, to shut down the pirate website www.allofmp3.com. In addition, in the context of WTO accession negotiations, the United States expects Russia to commit to provide protection against unfair commercial use of undisclosed test and other data submitted by pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical companies seeking marketing approval for their products. The United States and Russia are consulting on other changes to Russia’s laws and regulations that are necessary for purposes of TRIPS compliance, concerning, for example, well-known marks, geographical indications, and other issues.
The United States urges Russia to take immediate and effective steps to properly inspect all optical media plants, to shut down illegal plants and counterfeit product manufacturers; seize and destroy equipment used to make pirate and counterfeit goods; close illicit Internet sites; prosecute those responsible for piracy and counterfeiting, impose deterrent penalties on convicted infringers; strengthen border enforcement; ensure that any additions to the current Civil Code reinforce Russia’s existing IPR regime and are TRIPS consistent; and address deficiencies in its IPR laws. The United States will continue to monitor closely Russia’s progress in bringing its IPR regime in line with international standards through the ongoing review of whether to remove Russia’s benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) due to inadequate copyright enforcement, WTO accession discussions, and the United States-Russia Bilateral IPR Working Group.
Like I said, pressure will be brought to bear. If you can't understand that, or don't like it, too bad.
I have NEVER used mp3search.com. Nor have I seen their vast catalogue and rapid download speeds.
Nor have I ever been to mp3search.ru, with its slightly smaller catalogue yet higher quality mp3s for less than mp3search.ru.
Though I have certainly heard that both are reputable sites with no complaints.
For whatever that's worth.
Think of it this way: every file you download from a site the RIAA and MPAA is trying to put out of business represents a buck kept out of the pockets of the Democrat Party.
The difference this time is that Russia has oil, which we need many times worse than Russia needs Ford and Dell.
How about their membership in the G8? That means a lot to them.
This isn't a hit the mattresses issue for either side. There will be a major issue in the future and this will be a small addendum. Same thing happened with Taiwan. Same thing with Brazil. Same thing with Mexico, Hong Kong, South Korea, etc. There's a pattern and it all goes the same way.
And yeah, I think copyright is a major issue and I think that our government will act to protect a major part of the US economy. While the total gross numbers from US film and music businesses are just a drop in the bucket, they still get all the attention and are good threshold industries.
But more importantly, these issues are major sticking points for the EU and they will have many more opportunities than us. Russia won't always have the ability to use their petroleum industry to blackmail the Europeans into silence. If anything, I would say that it will be a solution from the EU that spells the end of allofmymp3.com.
Now why don't you tell me something funny about how the enforcement of copyrights isn't the prevailing trend. Its the future, you should look into it.
Do you happen to know on what basis RIAA threatens artists who join the Russian organization (ie, why can't you be a member of both) and what they're threatened with?
This isn't a US vs Russia issue. It isn't big enough to be a deal breaker on anything for either side. More likely it will be the EU, that does a lot more business with Russia than we do, that will bring about a change here.
Ever been to Hong Kong? You can buy US movies on DVD that have not even been released yet for $1.00. While I sympathize with those who have invested their money in this product, and rightly expect a return, I don't believe that there is any way to stop the piracy. For example, we may be successful in shutting down this Russian site, but in the meantime, 1,000 more will emerge.
You said -- "What don't you understand about "Spare me the half-assed rationalizations."?"
Well, let's make it simple -- you keep rationalizing and I'll keep buying.
That's exactly what it's going to boil down to -- you "yap" and I "buy".
Regards,
Star Traveler
Basically one must join ROMS (roughly the Russian equivalent of RIAA/ASCAP) to participate in the royalties collected. I am not aware of what specific threats RIAA makes against recording artists here to not join ROMS but since apparently no recording artists appear eager to step up and collect the money due them, it is obvious that some sort of strongarming is taking place. I heard Todd Cochrane mention on a recent show (Geek News Central) that RIAA artists are bullied into not joining ROMS but forget the specific nature of the bullying.
No, he's mad because it hurts his Apple stock.
I think the artists agreed to sell their product in Russia-- which is about all that's required for allofmp3.com to get involved in selling said product. The artist could always give up the Russian market for their product. Not every album/artist is on the site-- not by a long shot.
I've spent $50 there and have had zero problems security-wise, FYI.
They mentioned it favorably without giving the name on NBC's "The Office." And "The Office" has an agreement with iTunes!
You're wrong. Russia treats data differently from a product. That's the heart of this issue. These digital files are treated differently in Russian commerce regulations than a CD.
Oh, so it's OK then.
Except for the people who aren't being paid for their work. Sucks to be them I guess.
Then find a different line of work.
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