Even $20/yr can make a huge difference in how much they can fight for us in the courtroom. Legal proceedings are expensive and time consuming. Without them, the lobbyists for the MPAA/RIAA and others basically have no obstacles.

They fight for a lot of our online and consumer rights. Subscribe to their weekly email. Check out eff.org for more info.

I know this seems like a blatant plug. I am not affiliated in any way with them. I am just an enthusiastic supporter.

That’s one hell of an idea really :) Cause yea, legally, you weren’t distributing anything “illegal” – you were only sharing a “plain text” file with an NFO extension….damn, that almost makes me want to try it :)

@15 Jun 29, 2010 at 14:50 by Just Me
Usually, around here only 1 gets the ticket, and it’s generally the one black mustang with the rice can :) The cop conveniently forgets about the rest…..

@18
Dude, now you’re thinking. I’m wired on that sneakernet too…..I just got some new kicks today too, with flourescent laces! ^^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sneakernet

@ 35 Jun 29, 2010 at 21:14 by Anonymous
You are onto something there :) Similar to what comment 10 mentioned…..he was ONLY seeding the NFO file, BUT he is still in the swarm….so he must be a pirate, right?

As it stands now, these “antis” connect to a swarm, once they initiate the handshake and get their piece they “red flag” that peer, and generate the lawsuit/paperwork…BUT, their application does NOT know “which” part of the content they are actually downloading :)

Looks like the Judge rejected the EFF argument and the case will proceed.

During the hearing, Judge Rosemary M. Collyer said that while the plaintiffs had a right to pursue legitimate claims, she was also concerned that the defendants’ interests be protected as well, and that the defendants might not have a fair opportunity to raise legal objections. As a result, Judge Collyer ordered the plaintiffs, TWC and amici to work together to draft a notice that could be sent to subscribers whose information is sought. The notice is intended to help educate the defendants about the case and their legal options, such as the option to challenge jurisdiction.

EFF and its co-amici had urged the court to go a good deal further, because we believe the posture of these cases violated fundamental principles of fairness. However, we applaud the court’s effort to protect the defendants’ interests and, based on today’s hearing, we are hopeful that Judge Collyer will continue to seek to make these cases as fairer for the thousands of Doe defendants caught in the USCG dragnet.

Wait… Never mind…