Pandora and Hope

Today I got a mail from Tim Westergren, the founder of Pandora. While I was pleasantly surprised to see his name in my mailbox, it lasted only till I got inside.

Pandora was closing down outside the US. Or, more accurately, it was being shut down by an outrageous RIAA ruling, which hikes rates for internet radio stations by around 250% (update: factoring in other new admin fees, it works out to 400-1000%) !!! And so, last.fm among many other stations will be affected.

I am guessing the RIAA, which should stand for Really Idiotic Association of (stuck-up) Assholes, went all the way, bribing a senator or two to get this legislation done extra quick. What with the Government working overtime to produce a result on the Iraqi occupation and the security of the United States, RIAA obviously felt this was more important.

I immediately googled for mroe news, and got to the Pandora blog, where thousands of supporters pledged support and tried what they could, to send letters of petitions to senators and convince Tim to move to Europe, where he wouldn't be hounded by stupidity. But what will the senators think? and What will they implement? Does anyone think a senator is gonna come up on the dais and seek re-election because he opposed an RIAA ruling and saved internet radio in that state? Or will neo-speak about Iraq be more effective wven when he does not take any action?

I hope Pandora will be back again, but pragmatically, I do not see much chance of the government backing up and reversing a decision within days of implementing it. So, I think I will just have to bid Pandora a teary farewell.

(Update: People have been proactive.... If you read this in the US, please go to http://www.savenetradio.org/ to see if you can do your bit. (link to Petition) An 'equality' bill has been introduced in Washington DC today. There is a faint sliver of hope now...)

(Update: it looks like anyone can send a petition from the above link... No personal stuff, except your location is asked for and recognised... so everyone is welcome...)