The MPAA is Lying? No way!
First, I need to point out that I find it illogical and incorrect to assume that if revenues do not match last years’, then you have “lost” money. I find it further incorrect to blame these “lost revenues” on something that has changed the world only for good, the Internet. It seems more the MPAA’s lack of will, ability, or foresight to adapt to new technology rather than these so-called pirates raining on their cash parade (complete with floats made entirely of Mike Meyer’s dignity and Frank Darabont’s Indiana Jones script).
According to a soon-to-be-published study — by a biased source, I admit — the MPAA has simply fabricated the claims that they are “losing money,” that is, not making as much as last year. While their earnings may be leveling off, their lower profits do not account for rapid inflation in recent years, a weakening economy, or (and this is subjective) the recent surge of steaming shit Hollywood has been funneling into theaters for the last decade or so.
Furthermore, they are completely wrong in assuming that, in such an economic situation, people would actually pay to see Love Guru or You Don’t Mess With Zohan if they could not download them. If anything, the numbers will even out as the few who enjoyed such trash would go see it on the big screen while those who are glad they weren’t suckered out of $8 to $15 can stay at home and watch something worth their time. Or just sit there.
The MPAA has become a model for unethical business practices. They refuse to keep up with the digital age, dubiously pass blame to a large percentage of Americans, and — with the help of their just-as-if-not-more-evil step twin, the RIAA — are making examples out of the little guy, Joe Sixpack American. It is only a matter of time, I hope, until Americans are fed up with their culture being monetized to unreasonable extents and watered down to levels rivaling that of Bud Select and remove from society this festering boil of an organization.
Make that two festering boils. One on each cheek. The RIAA and the MPAA; best friends forever; slowly erupting, becoming infected, and destroying their host.