It feels like in order to live in the world today you have to be an IP lawyer so you don't accidentally hurt some "artist" (AKA record company execs.)

I know that this entire process has had a chilling effect on my consumption of all kind of recordings.

I've noticed that the movie industry is being proactive with the "Don't pirate our movies." messages. They are trying to sell the "All the "little people" will be hurt!" ad campaign.

Interestingly, the recent move by China to go with Linux and with the new ECD players (to replace DVDs and avoid paying licensing fees), might have a greater impact especially considering that the Far East it one of the primary sources of all pirated goods.