Talked to my buddy Jason Schultz from the EFF about what they’re doing about the RIAA and MPAA. He came back with a bunch of useful links:
Action items
Supporting materials
- File Sharing: Music to our ears
- RIAA v. The People
- A Better Way Forward: Voluntary Collective Licensing of Music File Sharing
- Sony BMG Litigation Info (rootkit case)
- EFF DRM Blog
And if you’re looking for a decent source of non-DRM MP3s, AllofMP3 looks fairly promising, operating in accordance with license # LS-3M-05-03 of the Russian Multimedia and Internet Society. No, globalization isn’t all bad!
Very very valuable resource.
I will most definitely be using this site quite often now.
Thanks.
–Third
A great site for non-DRM MP3 tracks from independent labels is emusic.com. Unlike AllofMP3.com, eMusic is fully licensed for operation in the US, Europe, and other countries. Since all the music on eMusic is from independent labels they don’t have Britney Spears et.al., but if you have adventurous tastes (or would like to cultivate them) then this may not be an issue; also, buying from independent labels also minimizes your chances of providing monetary support to the RIAA. eMusic prices are well under iTunes and similar services as well: 25 cents (US) per track if you have the basic $10 (US) per month subscription. Finally, eMusic has a very active set of message boards on which you can get recommendations from (very) knowledgeable fans. I’ve been a happy eMusic customer for three years now and highly recommend them.
My site isn’t a great resource for non-DRM Mp3 tracks, ’cause I just built it. But I hope it will be someday.
Artists for File Sharing