'ISPs don't work for the RIAA' → Greed

First off to clear things up, musicians make a lump sum off their record which is written into their contract. Its usually something retarded like $30-50G between the entire band (if were talking bands) for the album. Now take that and subtract the costs they record companies charge them for using their studio to create the album (they're charged by the hour). Then, if they want a fancy ass looking cd the record company will charge them for the extra costs involved there. (imagine George Steinbrenner charging his Yankee players, per hour, for using his equipment and stadium to play games)

Musicians make their money on tour and only see money from their record sales if they are big enough to carry weight in the industry and negotiate their record contract to specify so. Or if they are credited for writing their music they make money from radio airplay, tv performances, and any other place that plays their music in public. (Think about every restaurants you go to with music, they pay for that)

As far as the XXAA and their figures go. They obviously look at each download as a lost sale, which is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. To be considered a lost sale, you have to have money to buy the album in the first place.

There's a reason many artists encourage you to download their music. Because 95% of the cds i have bought have been because of the internet. the last 5 concerts I've gone to have been from hearing an artists songs through P2P. Regardless of peoples abuses, P2P is one more way to exchange knowledge and advertise your band.

Is it perfect? No, obviously not. But you don't see barnes and knobles, borders or your local library being pressured to hand over video surveillance and personal info for people sitting in their stores and reading their books without paying.

Good point, no artist bets their career off of record sales. They all get screwed by the RIAA and knows it, it's the tour's that bring in the big money.