This is irrelevant. First, the record companies don't have to justify what they do to anyone, as long as they aren't violating anyone else's rights. The RIAA initiated these lawsuits because the rights of the companies they represent are being violated by people who are stealing their music.
This Beta News recovery statistic is short-sighted. If the recording industry doesn't defend itself against piracy through these lawsuits, they will lose a lot more than $57 million. I view their actions as $57 million well-spent on self-defense. I also think it's a shame that people have such low respect for intellectual property that this is necessary.
If you don't believe in intellectual property, ask yourself: how would your startup would fare without IP? If you create something new, no one else has a right to it. They should only have it on terms that you choose, because without you, it wouldn't exist.
Certainly, there is a great deal of benefit to collaborating with others. But without rights as defined above, collaboration on mutually beneficial terms is impossible (e.g., both immoral because someone gets ripped off - and impractical because innovation ceases).
Comments
This is irrelevant. First, the record companies don't have to justify what they do to anyone, as long as they aren't violating anyone else's rights. The RIAA initiated these lawsuits because the rights of the companies they represent are being violated by people who are stealing their music.
This Beta News recovery statistic is short-sighted. If the recording industry doesn't defend itself against piracy through these lawsuits, they will lose a lot more than $57 million. I view their actions as $57 million well-spent on self-defense. I also think it's a shame that people have such low respect for intellectual property that this is necessary.
If you don't believe in intellectual property, ask yourself: how would your startup would fare without IP? If you create something new, no one else has a right to it. They should only have it on terms that you choose, because without you, it wouldn't exist.
Certainly, there is a great deal of benefit to collaborating with others. But without rights as defined above, collaboration on mutually beneficial terms is impossible (e.g., both immoral because someone gets ripped off - and impractical because innovation ceases).