n I might not go to Boston University, but I am ashamed of the university’s actions involving the ridiculous “pre-litigation” letters from the RIAA (“Battling Against the RIAA,” Mar. 30, p.1). BU is not only disrespecting the basic bond between a school and its students, it is essentially working as a go-between for an association that ignores the artists it supposedly represents and operates using underhanded, quasi-legal methods. The RIAA’s blatant disregard for basic legal requirements, like evidence or statutes of limitations, has led to numerous countersuits and motions to dismiss in court. Nearly every lawyer involved has brought up obvious problems with the RIAA’s litigation.

This organization represents the rich, old media corporate greed that has failed to adapt to the world we live in and is now clamoring for one last chance to make a dollar. While the RIAA and the record companies ignored their chance to create a landmark legal downloading service, Apple stepped in with the iTunes Music Store. Now, the RIAA sues 10-year-old girls and 89-year-old grandmothers under the premise of copyright infringement, when in reality, their downloading may very well be considered fair use.

Some universities have stepped up by politely asking the RIAA to take its frivolous lawsuits elsewhere. But for reasons I cannot understand, the BU administration plays lapdog to a music cartel.

I sincerely hope all who have received threats of litigation from the RIAA can afford to pay a meaningless settlement to avoid thousands of dollars in lawyer fees. I also hope the BU administration will stand up and protect its students – BU’s source of funding and reason for existence.

Marcus Moche

Northeastern University