We need a watchdog group to protect IP rights. Simple as that. I'll let you all decide if what the RIAA/MPAA does/is doing is fair or not. I can only speak from the perspective of an artist and content creator. The other perspective is the causal user that does not know he or she is causing damage; they want their stuff for free and any attempt to stop it is viewed as Big Brother hurting the little guy. Or gal.
I would never want to see absolutely no protection for my efforts. I own what I create and whatever I create is the product of decades of learning and hard work. When it goes to court, it will be (generally) a federal court and that is a serious thing compared to a small claims court.
If someone puts my crap on the internet so everyone can freely DL it has comitted a crime. And not just a run of the mill crime; my work is protected by the Constitution of the United States, by virtue of Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8.
I know I/we can't stop piracy. As long as the Internet survives, illegal DLs can't be easily stopped. By me, you, or the RIAA/MPAA.
We can file for a DMCA takedown order and that is something, thankfully, available for anyone who is infringed. You, if you are hosting the content (and I am not saying you are, just to be clear) those orders can proceed with or without your consent.
When you purchase a DVD, you own polymer disk, not the content. You have certain rights to use the material on that disk. You do not have a right to upload or DL the material because it is theft. The idea that purchasing a DVD grants you rights outside of the agreement, well, I disagree. If you buy 10 disks, you still do not have any right to also DL the material. The rights your DVD grants you do not extend to downloads.
--- In iPad@yahoogroups.com, Just Murray <krismurray@...> wrote:
>
> Exactly my understanding. I civilly disobey because I disagree. The fact that we don't own the DVD is maddening to me. I bought it. If I wanna rip it smoke it or plug it up my nose that should be my right. The mafia, err mpaa and riaa need to be taken down, I think.
>
> ~KM
