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Clarifying U. policy on MPAA lawsuits

We offer two key clarifications regarding 'MPAA begins filing lawsuits against movie downloaders' (Nov. 8):

First, students should understand that the motion picture industry filed approximately 60 percent of the DMCA infringement notices that the University received last year. The University forwards such notices — which are not to be confused with the John Doe lawsuits that the MPAA is reportedly preparing to file — to the individuals whose computers are allegedly used for infringing purposes. Recipients of DMCA notices are required to remove infringing material from their computers and are subject to disciplinary action.

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Second, the Office of General Counsel is not "responsible for handling formal litigation brought against violators." The office will review any subpoena that the University might receive in connection with a John Doe lawsuit, but the University does not otherwise participate in — much less handle — such lawsuits. Last spring, the RIAA served on the University three such subpoenas seeking information sufficient to identify certain individuals who allegedly used the University's network for infringing purposes. The University complied with those subpoenas upon determining that they were legally enforceable, but took no position regarding the merits the allegations in the related lawsuits. Clayton Marsh '85, University counsel Rita Saltz, Senior policy adviser, OIT

'Nass' doesn't need columnist's sympathy

David Schaengold suggests in his Nov. 9 column ('A call for first-rate mischief') that Princeton students must be sober to be funny. Although sobriety may be necessary, it is clearly not sufficient, as Schaengold's painfully sober column clearly demonstrates. If sobriety leads to moments of such allegedly sidesplitting wackiness as running around with a painting, wearing a hat or throwing people into fountains, then I for one will resign myself to a lifetime of alcoholism.

Schaengold's concern for the "Nassau Weekly," though touching, is also misplaced, since the "Nass" is not, nor has it ever been, the sole campus organ for reporting japes, capers, or escapades (bon mots and cutting witticisms are the obvious exception). Ari Samsky '03 GS Former editor-in-chief, "Nassau Weekly"

Bias complaint is a legitimate one

Regarding 'Insults aren't what our country needs' (Letter, Nov. 9):

While the writer's call to unity following last week's momentous elections is admirable, it nevertheless misses the point entirely. When one sees a problem, he must resist it, and for him to simply reduce the perceived problem of a liberal media bias as an "insult" is either fatuous or deceptive. On one hand, he does not see a problem in spite of the evidence, on the other he ignores and sugarcoats a problem that is politically advantageous. The writer should either argue that a liberal bias does not exist (something at which he merely hints) or, stipulating the bias, strive for fairness.

Had John Kerry won, does an average Princetonian sincerely believe that the Prince article would have been 'Kerry wins, campus divided'? Would the only professor quoted still be a noted liberal? Would they fail to find a single Kerry supporter who offered their candidate his unqualified support? (Hint: no; yes; no.)

Thankfully, circumstances did not allow the paper to prove my answers right. Michael A. Fragoso '06

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