Save the Music Foundation is the newest program to protect consumers against the recording industry's P2P lawsuits. The program is an extension of Nettwerk's Music's support in the Gruebel case, which we've been covering.

From the web site:

Since 2003, the RIAA has issued more than one thousand subpoenas to various individuals and companies who are known to have illegal files in their possession. One of these individuals accused of file sharing, 15 year-old Elisa Greubel, came into the spotlight when she emailed a Nettwerk artist, MC Lars, explaining how she was sued for downloading music and how his song "Download This Song" summed up her situation. In the email she states, "My family is one of 10 seemingly randomly chosen families to be sued by the RIAA. No fun. You can't fight them, trying could possibly cost us millions."

The email found its way into the hands of Terry McBride, C.E.O. of Nettwerk Music Group. McBride decided to take a stand against the RIAA, a group that states in their mission that they "promote artists creative and financial vitality." McBride seems to think otherwise and recently said "Litagation is not "artist development," it's a deterrent to creativity and passion and is hurting the business I love. The current actions of the RIAA are not in my artist's best interests." McBride not only took a stance against the RIAA but has also agreed to pay the total expense of all legal fees as well as any fines if the family loses the case against the RIAA.