In the wake of the BMG/Napster joint venture, a somewhat dispiriting report
on how the recording cartel is
using litigation to crush and co-opt the digital music industry, and reinforce its iron grip over the means of music distribution:
The RIAA has also used high-profile litigation to scare off venture
capitalists, leaving many music companies without second and third rounds of
funding.
"The problem isn't so much that the recording industry will drive out
technology," Boyle said. "The real problem is that the technology will only
be allowed to develop and operate under the recording industry's control."
"I can't wait to see how many companies they put in receivership when they try
to collect two years of licensing royalties for webcasting music. Is there a
single company that you have ever heard of that has reserves (of cash enough)
for webcasting fees? Amazon? Microsoft? AOL? No, none of them."