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I think that record labels would be far more successful getting money from people if they would bring suits of this size. Keep under a certain amount and it co

I think that record labels would be far more successful getting money from people if they would bring suits of this size. Keep under a certain amount and it could even go to small claims court. A few people getting slapped with $675,000 in fines doesn't scare me, but 250,000 people getting $500 in fines might make me think twice because the odds of getting caught are higher.

jsz0 17y ago
A few labels are doing this. I think it's a fair approach. It ends up being about $10 per song. I don't think they even make you delete the files -- just stop sharing them. You're basically just paying a 10x premium/penalty for obtaining them in an illicit way. Here's what it looks like: NOTE TO ISP: PLEASE FORWARD THE ENTIRE NOTICE Re: Unauthorized Use of Copyrights Owned Exclusively by the Zappa Family Trust Reference#: XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX PST Dear Sir or Madam: FFS Enterprises, LLC ('We') represent the following 'copyright owner(s)' The Zappa Family Trust ('ZFT') by agency agreement. ZFT are the exclusive owners of copyrights for Frank Zappa musical compositions, including the musical compositions listed below. It has come to our attention that {ISP Name} is the service provider for the IP address listed below, from which unauthorized copying and distribution (downloading, uploading, file serving, file 'swapping' or other similar activities) of ZFT's exclusive copyrights listed below is taking place. This unauthorized copying and distribution constitutes copyright infringement under the U.S. Copyright Act. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 512(c), this letter serves as actual notice of infringement. The ZFT will pursue every available remedy including injunctions and recovery of attorney's fees, costs and any and all other damages which are incurred by The ZFT as a result of any action that is commenced against you. Nothing contained or omitted from this letter is, or shall be deemed to be either a full statement of the facts or applicable law, an admission of any fact, or a waiver or limitation of any of The ZFT's rights or remedies, all of which are specifically retained and reserved. The information in this notification is accurate. We have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of herein is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or by operation of law. I swear, under penalty of perjury, that I am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the exclusive rights that have been infringed. While The ZFT is entitled to monetary damages from the infringing party under 17 U.S.C. Section 504, The ZFT believes that it may be expeditious to settle this matter without the need of costly and time-consuming litigation. In order to help you avoid further legal action from The ZFT, we have been authorized to offer a settlement solution that we believe is reasonable for everyone. please copy and paste the URL below into a browser and follow the instructions for the settlement offer:
- windsurfer 17y ago
  Isn't that message copyright FFS Enterprise, and distributing it may be illegal?
  - jsz0 17y ago
    Probably, yeah. If I was being critical of the policy I would be more concerned. I think it's actually a good alternative. All the information in there is public knowledge otherwise.
jrockway 17y ago
250,000 people getting $500 in fines might make me think twice because the odds of getting caught are higher That would actually cause people to stop pirating their music. And instead obtain different music, leaving the record companies with nothing.

jsz0 17y ago

A few labels are doing this. I think it's a fair approach. It ends up being about $10 per song. I don't think they even make you delete the files -- just stop sharing them. You're basically just paying a 10x premium/penalty for obtaining them in an illicit way. Here's what it looks like: NOTE TO ISP: PLEASE FORWARD THE ENTIRE NOTICE Re: Unauthorized Use of Copyrights Owned Exclusively by the Zappa Family Trust Reference#: XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX PST Dear Sir or Madam: FFS Enterprises, LLC ('We') represent the following 'copyright owner(s)' The Zappa Family Trust ('ZFT') by agency agreement. ZFT are the exclusive owners of copyrights for Frank Zappa musical compositions, including the musical compositions listed below. It has come to our attention that {ISP Name} is the service provider for the IP address listed below, from which unauthorized copying and distribution (downloading, uploading, file serving, file 'swapping' or other similar activities) of ZFT's exclusive copyrights listed below is taking place. This unauthorized copying and distribution constitutes copyright infringement under the U.S. Copyright Act. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 512(c), this letter serves as actual notice of infringement. The ZFT will pursue every available remedy including injunctions and recovery of attorney's fees, costs and any and all other damages which are incurred by The ZFT as a result of any action that is commenced against you. Nothing contained or omitted from this letter is, or shall be deemed to be either a full statement of the facts or applicable law, an admission of any fact, or a waiver or limitation of any of The ZFT's rights or remedies, all of which are specifically retained and reserved. The information in this notification is accurate. We have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of herein is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or by operation of law. I swear, under penalty of perjury, that I am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the exclusive rights that have been infringed. While The ZFT is entitled to monetary damages from the infringing party under 17 U.S.C. Section 504, The ZFT believes that it may be expeditious to settle this matter without the need of costly and time-consuming litigation. In order to help you avoid further legal action from The ZFT, we have been authorized to offer a settlement solution that we believe is reasonable for everyone. please copy and paste the URL below into a browser and follow the instructions for the settlement offer:

windsurfer 17y ago
Isn't that message copyright FFS Enterprise, and distributing it may be illegal?
- jsz0 17y ago
  Probably, yeah. If I was being critical of the policy I would be more concerned. I think it's actually a good alternative. All the information in there is public knowledge otherwise.

jrockway 17y ago

250,000 people getting $500 in fines might make me think twice because the odds of getting caught are higher That would actually cause people to stop pirating their music. And instead obtain different music, leaving the record companies with nothing.