Apparently they’re letting RIAA lawsuits through. I thought that at one point they were protecting students, but I guess that only goes so far when a subpoena comes into play. I just got an email notifying would-be sharers that they’re under close watch. Here are a few highlights (lowlights?).

Lawsuits were filed against 19 Indiana University students in May 2007.

I was still attending in 2007 and I had no idea of this.

In October 2007 we received another round of “early settlement” letters, which typically have preceded lawsuits which may be filed if students don’t settle the claims before the case goes to trial. The music companies are demanding between $3,000 and $4,000 to settle their claims; several IU students have paid $4,000 in settlement.

Wow. They’re making already broke students pay $4000. Typical of the RIAA of course, but the part about IU giving up the identities of the file sharers was news to me. Now for the “good” (read that as “horrible) part:

The settlement amounts that IU students have paid this past summer have been financially devastating for some families, requiring at least one student to withdraw from school, and others to consider filing bankruptcy.

Absolutely horrible. No payment plans, no forgiveness system. The RIAA is forcing these people to pay up no matter the consequence. A stupid kid who downloaded the new “Britney Spears” album or whatever is now being forced to quit school and pay up. Disgusting.

beginning January 1, 2008, (we) will apply an administrative charge of $50 to your bursar bill to cover the costs of processing the notice.

Ouch. Insult to injury. Anyone else find this to suck supremely?

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