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RIAA Tries to Rebut Oxford Debate Stories
Music Industry News - as it happens
Source: p2pnet.net - November 4, 2002
Deeply stung by chairman Hilary 'Reach Out' Rosen's ignominious defeat at
the recent Oxford University 'Free Music' debate, the Recording Industry
Association of America (RIAA) emailed Declan McCullagh of Politech fame in
an attempt to re-align reality.
According to the RIAA, "Reach Out Did Good," all appearances to the contrary
notwithstanding.
- - - - - - -
Subject: Re: FC: Hilary Rosen loses Oxford digital-music debate by 3-1
margin
To: Declan McCullagh
From: RIAA
Dear Declan,
We think readers would be best served by reading an unedited transcript of
the debate once it's available.
That would be more informative than this inaccurate, misleading and
one-sided selection of excerpts. Perhaps this is a case of an eager reviewer
letting his beliefs overcome his eyes and ears.
The "free music" debate is a vigorous one, and anyone of us could easily
make a case to our friends and allies. It's less easy to take that case to
the places of where disagreement may greet you. Ms. Rosen works to educate
many audiences about the issues associated with on-line music and the need
to develop the legitimate market and simultaneously oppose piracy. We don't
shy from a hearty give-and-take and no one believes that the skeptics will
be convinced overnight. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, "It takes time to
persuade men to do even what is for their own good."
Ms. Rosen went to one the world's most prestigious educational institutions
to participate in a debate in a classic setting. At Oxford debate is sport.
And this issue was a great one for the students. This particular audience of
students deserve credit for offering thought provoking and challenging
questions. But in the end, despite the antics, the opposition (Oxford
debates have proponents and opponents) never really answered the most basic
and fundamental question: why are they entitled to get someone else's labor
(free music) for free? On that question, they and indeed the audience, were
silent.
-- The Recording Industry Association of America.
Watch this space ...
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