I saw this posted on an email list I subscribe to. It’s a long article about the ugly situation of a record store owner caught up in copyright infringement charges due to some DJ mix-cds he purchased from a manufacturer. Setting the legal issues aside for a moment, this piece is a fascinating read soley on the human element involved.

Alan and Andy Berry, owners of Berry’s Music stores, saw their nine-month legal nightmare end June 22 in a plea bargain. What was initially 13 felony counts of copyright infringement, leveled by the Recording Industry Association of America, was finally reduced to a single misdemeanor (and a hefty fine). But the real punishment was meted out months ago: Alan Berry lost his livelihood, lost the business he loved and nurtured for 13 years, may yet lose his house. And the crime for which he’s paid this price? Selling DJ mix-CDs.

link: Busted for selling Mix CDs