According to , the RIAA is doing this

... not for the purpose of recovering compensation for actual damage caused by Joel's individual action, nor for the primary purpose of deterring him from further copyright infringement, but for the ulterior purpose of creating an urban legend so frightening to children using computers, and so frightening to parents and teachers of students using computers, that they will somehow reverse the tide of the digital future.

Sounds about right. The CyberOne folks are also trying to win in the court of public opinion, and have started " that now boasts around 1100 members.

This case is about more than whether Tenenbaum swapped files online or the culpability of his parents. It's essentially Harvard Law picking a fight with the RIAA to demonstrate that its legal actions are unconstitutional. All I can say is, Go Crimson!

Alan Wexelblat of the notes that