Professor Fisher's Proposal Makes Headlines

In yesterday's New Jersey Star-Ledger, the article Prof to music labels: Lay off 'cyber-pirate' suits and try a tax (mini-registration required) calls Professor William Fisher "a guy at Harvard" with a "modest proposal." The alternate-compensation plan is discussed by Fisher, Berkman Fellow John Perry Barlow, and the RIAA. The reporter, Kevin Coughlin, writes, "Fisher thinks fans might pay to support artists they care about -- especially if most of the money goes to the artists, not labels. Any money that artists collect would beat what they get now from digital piracy."