That's a sad day man, for sure!!

Getting busted for 60kb torrent file!! What a Joke.

I'm up in Canada, but on the downloading side of things, I'm glad I'm not in the US.

They make it seem like the MPAA is broke and giong out of business.LOL

Oh well, be carefull US neighbors!!!

Weycraze

---

I am here to enlighten you all!

I know this is going to sound kind of stupid, but as we all know, the RIAA is saying now that once a downloader, always a downloader deal. I think 72morgan put it that way?? Anyways, this sparked something in my mind. If you had the oppurtunity, the RIAA agent is sitting in front of you saying, "Sign this and you are free to go." would you sign it? Here is what it says, you must identify yourself, delete all illegal content you have, and swear to never download illegaly again. It is a contract. Do you sign it??

Just think about this. I have been thinking about it, and I don't know if I would or not. The chance of gettnig caught is so small, and the price I'd have to pay would just make me work harder. If I have to come up with $20,000 to pay for 'damages' I'll find a way. If you think about though, how many of you that have downloaded illegal files before would have bought them for the retail price? I have NEVER downloaded anything I felt was worth paying for, or that I didn't already own that got destroyed. What it boils down to in my situation, is no more than $100 in damages no matter what they say, and that is pushing it on the upper side of the price range. Anyways, back to the subject, would you sign it??

"Sherman also announced the Clean Slate Program that grants amnesty to users who voluntarily identify themselves, erase downloaded music files and promise not to share music on the Internet. The RIAA said it will not sue users who sign and have notarized a Clean Slate Program affidavit."

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/09/09/music.swap.settlement/

Think about that, I'll be waiting for replies and a discussion;)

Razor

Sorry for this double post, but I can't edit...

Also read this, it fights the amnesty offer.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/09/08/music.downloading/index.html

Razor

Razor89 -

The amnesty contract sort of amuses me a little bit...it reminds me of that pledge they get high school seniors to sign before prom night, which makes them promise that they won't lose their virginity after the dance. Back when I was a senior, those who signed it were rewarded with access to a pizza party and a break from half a day of school.

-Guess how many signed it?
-Guess how many were deflowered anyway?

Obviously, it's not the perfect comparison, because with the amnesty program you actually have to 'give yourself up' as someone who has already been 'breaking the rules' that the MPAA and RIAA claim exist. (If I understood it correctly, the program gives you the option to come forward, admit downloading/possibly adding you name to the keep-an-eye-on-me list, sign the contract, delete the downloaded content, and then you wouldn't be sued so long as you never downloaded again -- but if you were 'caught red-handed' without having signed the contract, you would not have the option to sign it after-the-fact)

With the volatility and clear desperation that these corporations have exhibited in their scramble to hogtie technological advancements in digital communications for their benefit, I think it's safe to say that one thing they have NOT gained through their efforts is the trust of anybody in the P2P community. Personally, I don't think I have the trust in these corporations that would be necessary for me to enter into any type of contract with them whatsoever. And as always, of course, I don't think their goals are legitimate.

I think that the group this program is really aimed toward is the parents of younger downloaders. The MPAA/RIAA is probably hoping that these parents read articles about the lawsuits or see them on the news, like the recent one about the divorced mother. I think they are counting on other 'divoced mothers' and parents out there to identify with the victims of these lawsuits and worry that 'it could happen to them.' The next day they read an article about the amnesty program, and immediately ask their kids to sign the contract and delete the content. It's a clever move if you ask me, as in many cases it is parents out there who don't have a realistic grasp of the internet. For example, how many young subscribers to legal music services have probably been asked by their parents after reading such an article, "Are you doing that illegal downloading?" I know that aren't always oblivious, but I think a lot of the parents don't understand the downloading, and the MPAA/RIAA fear-tactics are easy to get away with when you're dealing with people who don't understand the subject itself. All these parents know is, "I don't know what this is, but I don't want to get sued."

As for the P2P community at large -- my prediction is that the amnesty program, much like any previous efforts, will be about as successful as a lemonade stand. There'll be a few takers, but mostly it's a waste of time.

yeardley, you hit the nail on the head. It's funny that it used to be the parents worried about kids being ignorant and taken advantage of. Now the roles are reversed.

Like the other comments said, this is just stupid!

I just got back from a vacation in Taiwan, and one thing that I notiched are how prices are so different there from where i live (netherlands)

For example, the music that is made in Taiwan, is half the price of what the western/american music costs. And the same goes for movies, and people there don't even bother looking at the western movie and music sections because it is just too expensive. I should note that these people make less money then us european/american/western people.

I boought a CD+DVD box of a Taiwanese female artist that I enjoyed watching on TV and the like. The CD+DVD box was about 10 euro, and trust me, it wasnt low quality crap, or well not in my opinion.

So instead of suing people and making loosing more and more customers because of bad names, maybe they should just half their current prices. I know I would easly buy a new DVD every week if they were 5 to 7.5 euro, and I dont mean making them that price 2 years after they have come out, but the moment the DVD is put on the market. And I am sure that a lot of people feel that way.

Ah well thats just my thought.

So...I see now that as the article I posted says, signing that contract will not guarentee you are not sued, only that you are not sued by them. I think that is crazy that the prices are so low everywhere but where I live lol. If DVD's were as cheap here as they are there, I would have no motivation to get illegal copies of them because by the time I wait for the download, get the supplies, and burn it, it will cost almost as much and be much worse quality. I would also buy them at a cheaper price, and also if the stuff I wanted was more available. A lot of the things that I have gotten illegaly I did beleive they were worth the money, but I simply couldn't get them becuase nobody carries them and the like. I like going to the movies too, but it costs so damn much. The prices are skyrocketing here, and the movies aren't getting any better! We should all move over there or make a petition or something. I guess in a way, everyone that downloads instead of buying is boycotting in a way.

Razor

Yes.. I agree. If media was released at decent prices, eveyone would buy..... Company greed destroys this. It always has, and probably always will.

They fail to realise that its better to sell 100,000,000 Million units for $10 each, then maybe 1,000,000 for $30 each..

The car industy suffer the same problem.

If people were to pay retail prices for 2 new albums, a couple of movies, and a few PC games, the could spend $300 + per week...which is crazy.

These days people want more... Its not a case of a new movie every 4 months, and a new game treat twice per year.. Most peple I know what every movie, every game, every release.... in with the new, and out with the old on a weekly basis

The Internet has sped up distributon, and alows more people to enjoy things more often... Retail prices need to offset this digital advantage, with agressive pricing. But instead of doing something about it. They winge, sue people, and don't see the big picture.

And besides... Do the realy think stopping a few torrent sites will remedy their issue.

You could go to a LAN, and dump every release to your PC in 15 minutes over the nework.

Point 1...The movie industry screws their own people all the time, what makes anybody think they will be honest with anybody else.

Point 2...The MPAA's fight against downloaders is now run by lawyers. The lawyers are going to keep things going as long as they can just for the money, nothing else. If P2P were an ambulance, it would have been stomped into the ground under the lawyer's feet by now.

When the MPAA started this campaign, they announced that they were not concerned about anyone downloading old movies. They used the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" as an example. They stated that they were only concerned about the sharing of first run movies and their dip in immeadiate profits. Then, after analizing the data, it was found that new movies only accounted for 18 percent of the total downloads. The majority of the downloads were of classic movies and TV shows. Ahaa, there is money to be made here.. The MPAA then started going after ANY video sharing.

While this was going on, old movies and TV shows began to be marketed more aggressively at retail outlets. More shelves were added to increase the "classics and TV" display areas. Many of the videos for sale in stores are downloaded from the net by studios and distributers. These are the same files that the MPAA lawyers will try and nail a P2P users for. They are then converted to DVD and sold at these stores. All one has to do is follow the money trail...

S2K per your request...A lady that I work with has been served with a civil suit for uploading and downloading movies. The movie industry is wanting $620,000.00 to settle the suit without taking the case to court. Needless to say, they are attempting to take everything that the woman has. I do not believe that they are simply trying to scare people. I think that they mean business. I know from my friends experience that if you are one of the heavy hitters on P2P networks that they will come knocking on your door.

$620K!!
Seems to me they target easy money, you have some affluent friends.
Only way I could settle out of court would be in the back alley.

my solution(if u can afford it)-netflix or blockbuster online+dvd burner+software that makes backups of dvd's+decryption software
and this way, the mpaa will still make a buck because i assume that some of the money is going to them

I agree with 72Morgan, if we are going to be sued in the future for past copyright infringements, what's the incentive to stop downloading from torrent sites?

It is merely a matter of time......
Someone who is not of sound mind....
Will be served by either the MPAA or RIAA....
They will be threatened and bullied and will snap' like a dry twig....

This person of "bright, normal intelligence" will then make a nice little home-made explosive, or load their favorite weapon, and run into an office of the MPAA / RIAA (or perhaps an acting attorney's office) and Blow them all to Kingdom Come...

These are stressful times in the USA....
It "will" happen..... just give it some time....
Who knows, maybe that statement of claim is sitting in His or Her mailbox right now..............

LOL joeman...I like the way you put that. When I talk about stuff like that people stare at me like I'm insane, but now that I know someone exists that is the same way...

I think that is just a great analogy. He gets sacked with a couple million dollar lawsuit, and after that, what has he got to lose?? Some people see life as no more than money, which is why he was downloading in the first place, it was cheaper!

Another thing I thought about today was that the amnesty deal seems like a horrible idea if you think about it. You sign the contract to the MPAA and they sell it to a third party. Suddenly you're getting sued by the company that made the movie anyways, and you forced it upon yourself when you probably wouldn't have gotten sued anyways. This contract is just so full of loopholes on THEIR side!!

Razor

Razor....

Yes tis' true many people have not the gumption to say what they feel, and mean what they say, a shame really...

I sometimes wonder if anyone remember's that rash of shootings that occurred in the late 70's through to the mid 80's at the US Postal service outlets ? Whatever happened to the rest of those crazy bastards? Did the loonies all just "go away" ? Nope, they just got treated a little bit better by the company, and by the individuals in senior and supervisory capacities and roles. Why you might add?
Because they feared for their very "Freaking Lives" !

How about the shootings at some of the McDonald's restaurants and some of the other fast food joints ?
Did those types go away too? Nope, most weren't employees of the establishment, or related to the place in any shape or form. It was a nicely populated place where they knew they could do some damage. No, these people are still out there, but fortunately for all of us, they have prescription medication that prevents them from doing those types of "things".....

Unfortunately what I speak of is true and DOES happen quite often (maybe not the RIAA or MPAA, just yet..) but it in fact happens everyday. As I am well acquainted with local Law Enforcement in my area, I tend to be privy to first hand accounts of what "really happened" concerning "those stories" on the six o'clock news. Many who are in, or related to Law enforcement, can attest to this...
What we see on the news is a mere "FRACTION" of what actually happens within our heavily populated cities and areas. If the public had the same information the Police did on a daily basis, they'd be out buying RAZOR wire and Shotguns,..Ha ! (OK, so that might be a little extreme, but it would be somewhat of an awakening and a "Real Worry" for many).

Anyway, yeah..., this whole RIAA / MPAA thing has gotten waaaaaay out of hand. Corporate greed and Slime-bag Politician's have been manipulating digital copyright law and digital media use for years now. People are completely FED UP with them and it's going to get very fugly indeed.

The USA already has one of the worst health programs on the entire planet. Health care costs are astronomical, and prescription medicines are simply unattainable for many due to it's very high cost. See where I'm going with this.....

The lawsuits been read a couple hundred times......
It sits on the kitchen table.....
There's no money, no job.....
The prescription hasn't been picked up for a month....
What to do.....what to do....what to do.....

/Joeman....

Maybe, if we talked real nice...We could put in a request to Bin Laden.........

LOL :D

Hey, does anybody know if the MPAA have any legal powers in Great Britain, or if you can be sued over there for copying American Films??

Please Reply

He walks into the middle of the room and drops his bag with hardly a glance from the people sitting at their desks.... His overalls and fake, Clip-on ID card looked real enough to fool the receptionist (not that anyone could tell the difference anyway...).
As he reaches into the bag, a board meeting has just finished and every one is filtering out of the boardroom.... He thinks to himself, "My timing couldn't have been any better". Instead of pulling out Networking tools and Category 5 wire, out comes a M16A2 with M203 40mm Grenade Launcher. He stands up and screams at the top of his lungs...

"SAY HELLO TO MY LEEETLE FRIENN" !

Ba-Boom, Brrrtt, Brtttttt, Boom !
(The MPAA suits don't waste anytime and start scurrying like a bunch of Roaches)...

Ba-Boom! Brrttt, Brrrttt <clink, clink, clink, clink...(smoking shells bouncing off the floor tiles)

More suits running for the exits screaming like little school girls as bullets rip through the tops of desks and into office chairs directly behind them, monitors explode outward... The grenade launcher fires and a couple of suits are launched effortlessly like rag dolls though the huge glass windows looking into the boardroom....

Yep, Forget Bin Laden....Tony Montana is a Guaranteed fix to this silly lawsuit problem.....

**Those bastards had better not steal my movie idea either ! **

/Joeman.....

Don't forget the lawyers..........

Well I figure he nailed some of those pompous dicks before he went for lunch at McDonald's....

/Joeman...

lol....Nice input, nice input.

I like the idea of maybe this insane guy buying a dress and a wig and stuff, and for breasts, he straps on a bra full of plastic explosives. Then you can probably imagine the rest...Walk into RIAA building and bam. Anyways, yeah...Pretty much a waiting game now. They snipe out a few of us while they miss the big picture, killing customers and building up the feeling of revolt until we create an uproar.

Razor

Everyone knows full well that downloading files that are copyrighted is illegal. And if any of you had anything maketable and valubale you wouldn't want someone theiving your property either. That being said: Your take your chances and hope thier not looking at you ! Recently they have been going after the big theives burning hundreds of movies and or music files then selling them to the public as authentic copies but by the price any individual knows thier anything but the real deal. These assholes ruin it for everyone to make a few bucks. However a thief is a thief ! be it one song or one movie your open for prosecution on detection. Don't whine and plead ignorance if your caught - suck it up like a man and pay the piper ' don't use silly crap like ( oh come on I only loaded one movie or one song and I already bought them but they got damaged so that gives me the right to steal ! hahaha !!!

gosh could that be a sony shill ? "copying one song from your legaly purchased CD and thats only stealing one song " lmao rofl
I will do what i want with my legally purchased copy of anything..............................................

for the younger crowd shill is a bad name for a representative

This meant a lot more to me two and a half years ago. You know, back when it happened.