We've got no answers, but one thing is clear: no one else does either.
We're talking about music as intellectual property in the 21st century, and the Supreme Court's recent futile gesture to apply last-century standards to this century's reality.
But here's a new twist: the kids aren't necessarily selling their music.
Most of the music our local kids listen to aren't even available on CDs or for purchase. Our son recently bought one of only 100 CDs produced by a band he likes. So there are hundreds of thousands of songs being shared, with little or no intention of making money.
This point was refreshingly visited in a June 29 article in the NY Times by Jon Parales with the great headline, "The Supreme Court Has Ruled, So Enter the Geeks." (we would link to the article, but it is...uh...intellectual property according to the Times)
"On the Internet, people share everything from chocolate chip cookie recipes to the details of last night's date. Motives for sharing music are more complex than a grab for free goods," he writes.
"It's a completely alien mentality for profit-focussed companies that still dream of being paid every time someone hears a song."
Meanwhile, it's fun watching the kids work with creating new standards for intellectual property.
What are your thoughts on intellectual property?