MPA president Lauren Keiser said he wanted site owners to be jailed.He said unlicensed guitar tabs and song scores were widely available on the internet but were "completely illegal".
Mr Keiser said he did not just want to shut websites and impose fines, saying if authorities can "throw in some jail time I think we'll be a little more effective".
Jail time? For the massive efforts of fans compiling, typing, proof reading lyrics and guitar tab? Usually within days of a song coming out, because no alternative exists? Have you ever tried to figure out what the hell your favourite band is singing? If it's easy you're listening to the wrong bands.
I can honestly say about all I did in uni while on the net was download guitar tabs and help out in the community by tabbing some songs myself. Learning the guitar got me into more music than I otherwise would have, I bought guitar tab books (some $40+) that I definitely wouldn't have otherwise, discovered many bands (mentioned as influences in files discussing guitar riffs).
And while I'm at it... why does a guitar tab book cost so much more than the album? And on topic, I've been trying to buy a guitar tab book for Faith No More's "Introduce Yourself" but it doesn't seem to exist...
So, pop on down to Oz Music Central and get your Australian guitar tabs before it's too late.