The Distributed Computing Industry Association (DCIA) recently proposed a new model for P2P.
According to the DCIA, “The DCIA is a voluntary organization representing all sectors of the distributed computing industry. This includes platform companies, content providers, and peer-to-peer operators. DCIA is engaged in developing standards-and-practices to advance this innovative consumer-based distribution system.” Its members include Altnet (P2P), BlueMaze Entertainment (record label), Claria Corporation (adware, formerly Gator Corp.), Digital Containers (DRM), Grokster (P2P), INTENT MediaWorks (promotion), Sharman Networks (P2P, makers of Kaaza).
The DCIA model (PowerPoint file) involves a three-phase roll-out:
Phase 1: Combine digital watermarking with DRM for label-seeded and consumer-originated copyrighted music in P2P
Phase 2: Provide incentives to high-volume file-sharers to convert legacy music collections and become licensed redistributors
Phase 3: Introduce user-friendly software to permit consumers to register and monetize original musical works.
Ernest Miller: P2P Industry Association is Not Your Friend
this model has a snowball’s chance in H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks chance of succeeding, but then the DCIA isn’t really interested in success, they are just interested in acting as if they want a solution. However, to the extent that they are proposing solutions that give the music industry a chance to control the market, the DCIA is essentially fronting for the RIAA.
Other alternative distribution proposals include:
Neil Netanel: Impose a Noncommercial Use Levy to Allow Free Peer-to-Peer File Sharing, 17 Harvard Journal of Law & Technology 1
William Fisher: A royalties plan for file sharing and Digital Music: Problems and Possibilities
