| ... I wonder if the music industry is pitting themselves against some rather large opponents - AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner, Comcast.... They may not appreciate having to add more cost to their service, money that goes to someone else. Perhaps they'll get enticed with a little collection fee kick-back. The RIAA charges $10. The ISP keeps $1.00.
Still, I think the strongest argument against this is every industry in electronic format has just as much reason for the same system, as Karl mentions - movies, books, games, etc. By the time they all get done lining up behind the RIAA's precedent, broadband will be $50 plus $100 in racketeering fees. 
Rather than imposing such a system, every company interested should offer what amounts to the same thing - an unlimited subscription to their material for a monthly fee. Sony music for $2. Warner for $2. Universal Studios for $10. Each company could cut out all the middle men and media costs. They could market and sell subscriptions. "Hey, we have the best movies/music/games all for only $3.00 per month." Several companies could even get together and offer content under a single subscription. |
