RIAA in Machinima Shutdown Kerfuffle

A shutdown notice from the RIAA received by a Web site hosting machinima videos created using video game engines has turned out to be a hoax. But that didn't stop more than 700 people from signing an online petition decrying the RIAA's move.

The popular culture blog BoingBoing reported on Tuesday that the recording industry lobbying association had sent a letter demanding that RPGFilms.net cease hosting music videos incorporating RIAA-member content.

But on Wednesday, BoingBoing noted that the whole thing had been a hoax.

BoingBoing co-editor Cory Doctorow interviewed RIAA director of communications Jenni Engebretsen about the flap. She answered with typical corporate non-answers:

Q: Are forgeries like this common occurrences?

A: I can't really say--I'd have to speak to our folks to see if this happens with any frequency...

Q: Do you plan to pursue the forgers who sent out the bonus takedown in your name?

A: I need to check into that...

Q: Will you pursue a claim against RPG Films for the use of your member-companies' copyright music in the films they host?

A: We have not initiated any communication or legal action against them. Forecasting future actions is not something we do.

Though the notice was a hoax, a visit to RPGFilms.net late Thursday afternoon revealed that the site has no live content.