Post #157276 by Swanky on Sun, May 8, 2005 6:38 PM

It's still unclear what has happened. If you know my views on it, you know I think it's a load of crap. Go to my site http://www.swankpad.org and at the bottom there is a link to the blog and what I think of the music industry. BUT...

My site is on a very good friend of mine's server. His upstream provider apparently got a notice from the RIAA or someone. Just the threat of it is enough to pull the plug. His provider could shut down his entire server over this. They could stop all his business. And, for that matter, the RIAA could shut down his provider. All that means, out of total fear of the swift actions the RIAA has gotten through the DMCA, we had to pull the plug. Regardless of whether we are right or wrong. Before anyone could try to prove anything, the business would be shut down.

What's truly odd is that the email came from his provider. The IP address the email came from was theirs. When he called to find out what the complaint was or who it was from, noone said they sent the warning email. So, we are not clear if there actually was one. But, you have to be safe rather than sorry when it's your business.

They are thugs.

But I think their time is short. The music industry is going to go under. I hope it's very soon. I hope a business replaces it that is run ethically and with a real business plan, not a monopolistic abusive plan.

In my opinion, I am doing the same sort of service FM radio does. I am getting their music out there. I am spreading interest in music that is collecting dust out there for them. And maybe there is enough call for a re-issue and they can sell it again and we can get a nice copy of this 40-60 year old music. Clearly, they are not selling George Cates Polynesian Percussion any more. There are no sales to hurt!