FC: RIAA replies to Politech over Hilary Rosen and Oxford debate

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

Previous Politech message:
http://www.politechbot.com/p-04112.html

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Subject: Re: FC: Hilary Rosen loses Oxford digital-music debate by 3-1 margin
To: declan () well com
From: [deleted per RIAA's request --DBM]
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 18:21:43 -0500

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 proponenets 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.

>From The Recording Industry Association of America




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