There was a spirited discussion about entertainment and technology at MIDEM. Three trade association execs -- Gary Shapiro from the Consumer Electronics Association, Mitch Bainwol from the RIAA and Fritz Attaway from the MPAA -- had a sometimes heated discussion on the opening morning of the convention. Each duly defended the interests of its membership.

paidContent has a transcription of a section of the discussion. Here's a snippet:

Bainwol: "Technology is the basis of our future. We have to be able to monetise product and, every time we try, you want to make it available for free so people can buy devices. Gary stretches the concept of fair use to the point where the notion of ‘fair’ has been eliminated. You have to protect the market value. [Gary] wants to morph fair use into a concept that justifies any consumer behavior to the point where you eliminate the value of property. ... Gary takes a concept, morphs it, makes us look like we’re evil."

Shapiro countered: "I don’t make you look evil - your lawsuits against old people around the country make you look evil. You’re very good at paraphrasing things I never said."