Now, I've discussed at length how crazy this verdict is, but it's one thing when I say it, and another when it comes from the mouth of one of the artists whose copyrighted songs were involved in this case.
Richard Marx's song "Now and Forever" was one of the 24 tracks for which Thomas-Rasset was ordered to pay, and according to Ars Technica, he has spoken out against the verdict. His statement:
"As a longtime professional songwriter, I have always objected to the practice of illegal downloading of music. I have also always, however, been sympathetic to the average music fan, who has been consistently financially abused by the greedy actions of major labels. These labels, until recently, were responsible for the distribution of the majority of recorded music, and instead of nurturing the industry and doing their best to provide the highest quality of music to the fans, they predominantly chose to ream the consumer and fill their pockets.
So now we have a "judgment" in a case of illegal downloading, and it seems to me, especially in these extremely volatile economic times, that holding Ms. Thomas-Rasset accountable for the continuing daily actions of hundreds of thousands of people is, at best, misguided and at worst, farcical. Her accountability itself is not in question, but this show of force posing as judicial come-uppance is clearly abusive. Ms. Thomas-Rasset, I think you got a raw deal, and I'm ashamed to have my name associated with this issue."
It's a carefully worded statement, in which Marx makes sure, first and foremost, to show he's against illegal downloading of music. He makes some very important points, though: first, he describes the actions of major labels as "greedy" and recognizes that, with their actions, they are responsible for the problems the music industry is facing today. Furthermore, he makes it clear that going after individual "offenders," when it comes to illegal downloading, is counterproductive and abusive.
I applaud Marx. It's important that artists and songwriters, the very people whom RIAA is supposedly protecting, speak out against the abusive, unfair, greedy acts of the music industry. Yes, it's his bread and butter, but he understands that between his tiny piece of the pie and the consumers there's a huge industry that's not looking at the best interest of either him nor them; it's looking after itself, often at the expense of everyone else involved.