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As an avid music fan and member of the digital music revolution (both as an iTunes user & owner of internet base radio station), I firmly believe that the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) has the right to protect its member’s material. They have been, at times, a bit extreme. Suing end-users of services such as Napster & Kazaa is just a ridiculous waste of time and the money they’re trying to protect. Now, though, they’ve gone too far and have crossed the line into greed.

XM Radio, ready to roll out a new line of “Tivo-like” receivers, is under fire from the RIAA who is threatening a huge lawsuit and plenty of fines to go along with it. Guess who will end up paying for these fines?? You got it, XM subscribers. I would like to point out that XM is already paying royalties to the RIAA, ASCAP, SESAC & BMI for the music they play. As a matter of fact, XM pays more royalties to these organizations than any other entity in the world (according to their website). Terrestrial stations (AM/FM) pay nothing.

Back to the point: RIAA = Greedy. XM’s new receivers would allow listeners to record up to an hour of programming to play back later. Much like your TIVO. The RIAA argues that this is copyright infringement because people can record from their XM receiver to a CD or MP3, thus allowing the user an escape from purchasing music via a “legal” avenue. The RIAA seems to be forgetting that people have been recording music off of their radios for years. Why didn’t they have a problem with this? I could just as easily hook my AM/FM tuner up to my computer and dub right to disc or mp3. Why don’t the MPAA or major television networks have a problem with the TIVO or DVR technology available? Because, it’s a waste of time and money to care. Instead of focusing on the positive impact XM (and Sirius) have the music industry (promoting new artists & songs encourage the purchase of digital downloads and/or CDS), they continue to dwell on fighting wars they will never win.

I have a suggestion: RIAA, find new ways to make getting music easy and affordable. If you didn’t spend so much cash on suing 5 year olds and royalty paying organizations that promote your members, maybe you’d realize the potential profits that you’ve experienced in the past.

Please take a moment visit XM’s website and help fight the RIAA greed!

The big record companies are pressuring Congress to pass legislation that would prevent XM listeners from having access to more music choices and new technologies. To learn more about how you can help stop this legislation, follow the link above.

Click on this URL to take action now
http://capwiz.com/xmradio/utr/2/?a=8852001&i=80540974&c=