UK Musicians Back Watered-Down "Three-Strikes" Rule

A brace of anonymous readers sent along coverage of UK musicians who have turned around to support three strikes, or a milder variant of it. What they suggest is more like "three strikes and you're hobbled" — after a third offense a downloader would be not disconnected, but rate-limited. The artists involved include Lily Allen, George Michael, and Sandie Shaw. The Guardian has more details. The final quote from the music industry, striking out at UK ISPs, is priceless: "BT is clinging on to an old business model which is supported by illegal downloading. That's not only unfair to artists and creators, but penalizes BT's many customers who use the Internet legally."

George Michael supports it?

[straponego]

...that's all you had to say! If we can't trust the judgment, decency, and foresight of George Michael, who can we trust? The man is a latter day Sodomon. Solomon. Whatever.

Well it's better than

[Nerdfest]

trying to illegally download music and later discovering later you actually downloaded George Michaels stuff. Wham!

Trust people George ... you've gotta have faith!

Re:Lilly Allen quitting over this

[93 Escort Wagon]

Never heard of her. But I have heard of Bach, Tchaikovsky, and Ravel.

So have any of those three stated a position on this policy?

Re:About Lily Allen

[Animaether]

Mod parent up. He's right.

Re:Finally, some sense

[slashdotb0t]

Therefore merchants on main street need to find a 21st-century business model, one that doesn't treat "customers" who are shoplifters as common criminals!?

Congratulations <Anonymous Coward>, we at slashdot are happy to inform you that you're the one-millionth poster to blur the line between downloading music and stealing a physical object. Your prize, should you wish to accept it, is a one-week vacation in The Guantanamo Bay Hotel. Please reply within 48 hours to accept your prize.

Re:Lilly Allen quitting over this

[turing_m]

I would like to get paid for my comments on slashdot.

I'm sure the RIAA, MPAA or Microsoft could help you out there.

Re:About Lily Allen

[PachmanP]

Mod me up! They're both right, and I'm a karma whore!

Re:About Lily Allen

[Anonymous Coward]

Mod parent down. He's right!

Lily Allen, George Michael, and Sandie Shaw?

[Anonymous Coward]

I thought you said "musicians".

Re:Lilly Allen quitting over this

[zotz]

Yes, but it was Bach before your time.

Sorry.

Re:More "three strikes" laws...

[zotz]

"Artist should also be subject to "three strikes", where all their works enter the public domain if they are caught three times snorting coke or doing whatever other criminal activities it seems the well-paid lawyers of the music industries get them very lenient punishments for."

Surely mean if they are accused, not if they are caught.

all the best,

drew