Future Solutions to Copyright Problems
Fortunately there are people out there trying to find less intrusive and aggressive solutions to the issues associated with file-sharing and copyright. Of course the industry would simply like to see any fair use and file-sharing disappear entirely, as that brings them the most revenue. However, it seems clear that that avenue is not an option, as people will always find a way to circumvent the protections that labels put on their products. The other end of the spectrum is to dissolve organizations like the RIAA entirely, due to the belief that they are on their way out anyway. Here are a few of those options, and also some organizations working to solve these problems and protect the consumer until we can find a decent solution.
Steve Jobs' "Thoughts on Music"
Released on February 6, 2007, Steve Jobs penned this letter outlining his feelings on music and DRM. Essentially, he would like to see DRM dropped from music so that it can be more freely played between devices, and function more like the days of vinyl and CD's from 10 years ago. To have someone of such stature on the side of making the music more consumer friendly is a huge step in the right direction, and hopefully he will help to provide a solution. After posting this letter, it was learned that iTunes would offer DRM-free tracks from EMI records, and has since done so, albeit at a slightly higher price.
The letter can be found here
And some commentary from Gizmodo is here
Links to more info:
Gizmodo RIAA Boycott
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Creative Commons--license things here to avoid draconian copyright