Got an XCP or MediaMax CD? It's Time for Payback

The class-action lawsuit against Sony BMG has reached the settlement phase, and those of you who didn't fling your Alicia Keys CDs in frustration at Sony's rootkit-installing DRM idiocy can get some closure.

Step 1: Check if you have any of the CDs included in the settlement.

Step 2: Submit a claim to get a replacement CD and MP3 downloads of same. Make sure you uninstall the offensive offending software.

Step 3: Read the "Who Is Included, And What Does The Settlement Provide?" section of the legal notice PDF to find out what extra goodies you're entitled to: cash and/or album downloads.

Step 4: Take any and all opportunities to remind Sony BMG of how bad an idea this was. Make sure to get the maximum that you're entitled to from your claim, and if for any reason you have to talk to Sony BMG on the phone (say, for tech support for the software removal), politely make it clear how much you don't appreciate having your computer's security compromised, or being punished for actually buying a CD.

Step 5: Tell all your friends (and maybe a few enemies) to follow these four steps. The only reason companies think they can get away with their schemes (including disregarding fair use, HDCP, broadcast flags and more) is because consumers haven't made themselves heard in large enough numbers. Make some noise and hit them in the bottom line, and they'll remember where their revenue comes from.

(Note that this only applies to CDs bought in the USA. Canadian consumers should keep an eye on the Canadian Sony BMG XCP and MediaMax pages for updates. Also note that the Canadian list of affected CDs is slightly different.)