Texrat

The Music Industry’s New Extortion Scheme

I think such a fee is only fair and reasonable. A fee like this might have mitigated or even prevented the DRM/pirating nightmare that's been plaguing society for years. It doesn't have to be exorbitant, either, to be useful. It doesn't even have to be the nightmare (ie, "extortion") it's alleged it will become.

Bottom line, there's no perfect system, and artists deserve to be paid. Period. But I agree that the labels are a huge part of the problem. Implement the fee, have the funds managed by BMI/ASCAP/et al, and leave the labels out of it if possible.

Is a Music 'Tax' Paid to ISPs the Answer?

I think such a fee is only fair and reasonable. You point out yourself the precedent. A fee like this might have mitigated or even prevented the DRM/pirating nightmare that's been plaguing society for years. It doesn't have to be exorbitant, either, to be useful... so your hyperbole can be stricken. ; )