It seems at last one label has stepped out of the industry fold with a plea for common sense.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060206.MCBRIDE06/TPStory/TPEntertainment/In late January, McBride came out against the whole idea of major labels suing fans who have downloaded unauthorized copies of songs. His company, Nettwerk Music Group in Vancouver, will cover the legal costs of the Gruebel family in Arlington, Tex., which is accused by the Recording Industry Association of America of having 600 unauthorized copies of songs on the family computer. One of the songs is Lavigne's old hit Sk8er Boi.
According to Nettwerk and the family's lawyers, the RIAA is demanding that the family pay a legal settlement of $9,000 (U.S.), or half that if paid within a certain period of time. If they don't pay, the family will likely have to fight the RIAA in court.
McBride said his company could face millions of dollars in legal fees if it turns into a major court battle.
But he added that there is no way that the RIAA, which often sues around 750 people each time a new wave of lawsuits are announced, will stop unless "artists and managers step up and say stop. Those are the only people that can make them stop," McBride argued.
"The major artists, besides my roster, they need to stop being silent and let their views be heard," McBride said. "I can't see any artist, who has all of the information in front of them, saying that it is a good idea to sue a 15-year-old fan."
I would rather this guys money went to defending those who are innocent and dont have the money to fight, but its his money.
This could turn into a half decent publicity stunt.
