The RIAA is supposed to be a non-profit organization. Non-profit organizations do not seek to maximize profits or they can lose their non profit status with the SEC.

We're too sue happy in this country. Years ago, if I had experienced any major customer service problems with a company I would complain or write a letter or whatever. Years go by where I read about how everyone is suing and my endless thoughts about what a tragedy it has become to be in this country and potentially be sued for anything and that I don't want to ever be like that.

A few weeks ago I had problems with a major OEM accidentally charging me 2.5x the invoice amount for some desktop workstations I purchased. When trying to resolve it through their customer service and the folks in India saying they cannot access my records (for 5 days straight at all hours of the day)... I eventually contacted a sales rep in the US that had instant access to my records and cancelled the order then created a new one. Instead of crediting the incorrect charge, it charged again, in addition to the new correct charge. Actually, it was only holding the funds and hasn't charged but totaled $20k in pending state holding my card so close to the limit that my monthly revolvers would have failed. My immediate reaction was to call an attorney rather than call them up and attempt to resolve it. In the end, their India support center still couldn't access my records but when I managed to contact the sales rep in US he had access to my records instantly again and the issue was resolved after the OEM called my creditor card issuer.

My point here is merely: it has become the American way, so-to-speak, to sue because it nearly has come to the point where either a) many are opportunists and see it more likely to win a civil lawsuit than the lottery, b) just have to make a statement and throw their superiority around, or more likely c) it has gotten to the point where the threat of a lawsuit or the act of a lawsuit is nearly the only way to get results these days because business and customers alike (or citezens/aliens) just don't want to take responsibility for their own actions anymore.

Regarding the merchant in question, for all I know he does have a filthy shop (I've seen many in my day, just watch Kitchen Nightmares) and if so, the correct response should be to clean it up before a health inspector arrives. Will he sue the health inspector for writing in a formal statement that the shop is filthy? But if it is clean and someone is making such accusations and customers decide to go elsewhere, perhaps a lawsuit is warranted if the perp refuses to make an apology.

Thanks,
Leabre