What if there was a system by which file-sharing entities agreed to block new releases for a certain period of time? Say 2 weeks, or a month. The record companies could provide them with track listings for new releases, and the file-sharing people could install a filter that would block files with those names from being traded for however long. Then, a simple adjustment to the filter and everyone can get to them. It would create a system whereby people would be encouraged to buy if they wanted to get the music right away, or just wait if they weren't that interested.

They could even set it up to account for singles - i.e., if the first single drops and no one's impressed, and the album gets taken off the filter, but the second single skyrockets, they could put the album back under the filter for a bit.

Sure, there would be ways around this - and maybe the file-sharing guys wouldn't cooperate - but I think if the RIAA approached them in a spirit of compromise, they probably would. It's time to lay the legal threats aside and try to come up with something that will genuinely work to promote the best interests of everyone. Especially - especially! - the consumer.