The EFF has proposed a solution to the file-sharing problem: have file sharers pay a monthly fee, say $5, in exchange for the right to share freely. The money would be divvied up among artists according to popularity by a collections body similar to ASCAP. Here's the EFF's white paper on the subject. It looks like we'll have to be patient, though. The EFF suggests giving the music industry "a few more quarters of lackluster sales" to come around to the idea before proposing legislation to Congress for compulsory licensing. So keep file sharing and/or keep boycotting RIAA.