[dinosaur]

I have trouble understanding the Big Record Company Establishment vs. Artist argument. Do the artists not sign a contract transferring copyrights and distribution (read advertising) rights? Do they not wish to benefit from this? Become a big rock star?
My only point is this: If I were to write a book, or obtain a patent on a novel device of some kind, I would expect the laws of society to protect my intellectual property and my right to market (read profit) by it as I choose. If someone claims the right to copy my book and sell, or even give it away to a million people, it is infringing on my ability to make a living from my talents--whether I choose to get into bed with the RIAA or not.
From a simple logical standpoint, people don't have the right to choose to distribute my work and declare they're doing me a favor by giving me 'free advertising'. If I wished to advertise that way, I would make express statements to that effect.
In the case of books, people can purchase them, read them and pass them on to friends (or in my case to libraries). They don't have the right to make multiple copies and distribute them.