Newsflash everyone: people DO actually get busted for illegally downloading music and they really do get made to pay for their thievery. American mother Jammie Thomas-Rasset has been found guilty, of copyright infringement and ordered to pay $US1.5 million ($1,483,552.66 AUD) to Capitol Records for the 24 songs she downloaded. That means each of the songs she downloaded and shared on February 21st 2005 using Kazaa cost approximately $US62,500 each, when they would have cost approximately just $1.69 through a legal online music store like iTunes. Holy shit. Cancel your torrents right now people. Do it now.
The RIAA has issued a statement responding to the outcome that said: “[We are] thankful to the jury for its service in this matter and that they recognised the severity of the defendant’s misconduct… Now with three jury decisions behind us along with a clear affirmation of Ms Thomas-Rasset’s willful liability, it is our hope that she finally accepts responsibility for her actions.”
Thomas-Rasset and her legal team plan to appeal the case, which will be the fourth trial in the proceedings and is likely to drag out for the next decade.
Justice served and a fine example of a lesson – (or heavy handed and grossly disproportionate punishment?) – to be learned by all. Have a look at the songs she downloaded below and judge for yourself…
Aerosmith – “Cryin’?”
Bryan Adams – “Somebody?”
Def Leppard – “Pour Some Sugar on Me?”
Destiny’s Child – “Bills, Bills, Bills?”
Gloria Estefan – “Here We Are”; “Coming Out of the Dark”; “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You?”
Goo Goo Dolls – “Iris”?
Green Day – “Basket Case?”
Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”; “November Rain?”
Janet Jackson – “Let’s Wait Awhile?”
Journey – “Faithfully”; “Don’t Stop Believin’”?
Linkin Park – “One Step Closer?”
No Doubt – “Bathwater”; “Hella Good”; “Different People”?
Reba McEntire – “One Honest Heart”?
Richard Marx – “Now and Forever?”
Sarah McLachlan – “Possession; Building a Mystery?”
Sheryl Crow – “Run Baby Run?”
Vanessa Williams – “Save the Best for Last”
BY JORDAN KRETCHMER
