A Large Reverberating Smacking Sound

    Huzzah, at last. A three-judge Appeals Court panel today gave the whiny crybabies at the RIAA “a long awaited kick to the groin in its pursuit of file swappers, saying the music label lobby group can no longer force Internet providers to turn over their customers’ names.
    This decision overturns a district court ruling earlier this year which required Verizon to provide customer information when subpoenaed. According to Verizon’s counsel, “Today’s ruling is an important victory for Internet users and all consumers. The court has knocked down a dangerous procedure that threatens Americans’ traditional legal guarantees and violates their constitutional rights.”
    As the appeal concluded the RIAA shrank back into the shadows, and reportedly raised a tentative yet defiant fist. “Your small words may have won the day,” it said, its voice rising. 𔄬But don’t think you have seen the last of me!” Its shriek was punctuated by a blast of lightning from without the chamber. Then with a wild sweep of black robe and a final jeering laugh, the RIAA scampered furtively past the archway, and slinked into the storm-ravaged night.
    Read the ruling here, in PDF format. (Link via the Milwaukee Channel.)