Getting sued by RIAA means dropping out of college?

April 7, 2006

RTV71 and shimman used our news submit to tell us that RIAA is proposing sued students to drop out of college. shimman added
"I just don't know what to say. Piracy is a bad thing, but would
it be wise to let young people to learn their lessons the hard
way? "

Cassi Hunt, another victim of RIAA anti-piracy actions, posted a story over at The Tech, a magazine published under the MIT name. According to the story, Cassi was accused of piracy and charged $3750 (roughly €3055) but he wanted to negotiate that amount, since it was too high for his economic facilities. After contacting RIAA, he was told there would only be re-negotiations if a medical emergency appeared. He explained them he was being treated for p-set-induced insomnia and a case of stuck-to-desk-itis that recurs two to three times in a semester.

Cassi's medical expenses weren't enough to convince the RIAA representative to allow the negotiation of the amount requested, and even suggested to drop out of college to afford the settlement.

Last time I spoke with Bowie, the conversation was pretty much over after she named $3750 as the settlement amount. (I haven't actually agreed to settle yet.) So when I called her again, I asked '” again '” about how to negotiate that amount. I counted on the fact that self-important types wouldn't be inclined to remember a lowly pirate like me. Bowie didn't disappoint. She launched into her spiel about how the RIAA doesn't negotiate settlements. I told her that it was too much to ask for thousands of dollars from a college student who only makes just enough from term and summer employment to still come out a couple thousand in debt.

Bowie replied that the RIAA was oh-so-kind enough to offer a six month repayment plan. At this point, I was beginning to speculate on Bowie's hair color, and decided to switch tactics. I concisely and calmly explained how the situation was ridiculous: they weren't offering a settlement, they were issuing an ultimatum! Let us screw you over gently now, or with chains and whips in court. Surely there must be some flexibility for individual cases.

Well, she replied, they do make allowances if something like a medical emergency comes up. Now we're getting somewhere. 'And who would I talk to about a situation like that, because I'd like to talk to them now."

'Me," she replied. Ever feel like your nose has just been flattened by something large and solid? I mean, besides the doors at 77 Mass. Ave. 'But you're not in a situation like that."

Oh, but I am. The Institvte has left me with severe bouts of p-set-induced insomnia and a case of stuck-to-desk-itis that recurs two to three times in a semester, then again just before break. And my wallet certainly takes a hit for it.

But as much as I tried to argue that I was in as unique a situation as someone with medical expenses, there was no getting through. Bowie even had the audacity to say, 'In fact, the RIAA has been known to suggest that students drop out of college or go to community college in order to be able to afford settlements."

RIAA wants to educate people by targeting students on
their anti-piracy campaigns, but at the same time they create an environment of
mistrust and lack of principles, exactly the same defects they point to those
downloading pirated material. Do you agree with this
ideology?

Source: The Tech MIT