The Digital Homes take on RIAA

As a music lover and college student I'm aware of two very important things. The price of Ramen noodles and Bittorrent.

According to Don Reisinger of the Digital Home the RIAA is only aware of the latter. This year they've sent out 407 "pre-litigation settlement letters" to University students explaining in a calm mafia-esc manner they've unlawfully distributed their music. They kindly explain that if you don't want to go to court and lose many many thousands of dollars head to their website and settle out of court.

I've heard Don many times on cnet and twit, he's a smart man. However, he fails to understand the RIAAs thought process. The initially outlandish sentiment, that college students are considered the largest group of pirates by the RIAA is the most telling piece of the puzzle. What is the RIAA thinking?

They're scared that they're not needed anymore. Their method of making money, ripping off artists with album sales, is down the shitter. Artists can create websites and songs for less than 400 packets of ramen. College students realize mp3s and albums aren't the big thing for artists; concerts and private performances are. If we don't love the RIAA, why should we pay them? We're different from high schoolers and adults. We have expendable income, we love music and on average go to more concerts either other demographic. That's why we're the most dangerous.

To keep themselves alive they're actively trying to brainwash the youngest generations to the dark side. By "actively investing resources in the education of students of all ages on the value of music and importance of copyrights" they hope to keep their stranglehold on music sales. By sending threatening letters offering a one time indemnification for past deeds and proliferating propaganda to our youth their true fears are shown.

My dear RIAA, you are dying. My friends and I are here to make sure your grubby claws stay the fuck away from our music. It's ours, we paid for it

The Digital Home interview with the RIAA (Via The Digital Home @ cnet.com.)