U2 Manager Says ISPs Are Shoplifters!

[DudeAsInCool]

Variety reports that "U2 manager Paul McGuinness launched a blistering attack on the world's Internet providers Wednesday, accusing them of strangling the music industry."

Speaking at the Music Matters confab in Hong Kong, McGuinness likened ISPs to "shoplifters" and accused them of "turning their heads" away from the music industry's troubles and "rigging the market." "The recorded music industry is in a crisis, and there is crucial help available but not being provided by companies who should be providing that help -- not just because it is morally right, but because it is in their commercial interest," McGuinness said.

Read More @ Variety[/url]

[riseofthevalk]

If he's so concerned he should complain to the RIAA and whoever else deals with that. Not the ISPs.

[DudeAsInCool]

If he's so concerned he should complain to the RIAA and whoever else deals with that. Not the ISPs.

He should complain to the record company's for producing crap, overcharging for it, offending its customer base, for not developing new talent, and for not keeping up with technology.

You're exactly right, RiseoftheValk - the ISPs had nothing to do with those ill-fated decisions - they have their own business to worry about.

[James]

Shoplifting...

Seems a little OTT.

At the end of the day what can they directly do to help. I know virgin broadband have teamed up with some other organisation to crack down on music downloading, but this will, and I'm sure already will have lost them customers. They're not shoplifting they're just trying to keep their customers happy; and by introducing anti downloading bullshit this clearly won't please customers as a the vast majority probably download illegally anyway.

this Paul McGuinness geezer, and anyone else still putting the blame on anyone needs to get with the times and move on. These people should be promoting a new physical format as people will always want music on physical release, and as DAIC, at a more reasonable price to carry on making money from music; because moaning really won't help/

[Redneck4sure]

ISP's aren't really shoplifting. They are just driving the getaway car.

[DudeAsInCool]

ISP's aren't really shoplifting. They are just driving the getaway car.

[Redneck4sure]

That looks like fun.