The music industry's new strategy for combating piracy is built upon the cooperation -- voluntary until that proves unworkable -- of ISPs. Sources have told CNET's Greg Sandoval that AT&T and Comcast have expressed interest in working with the RIAA on its "graduated response" anti-piracy program. Neither has signed agreements and both are said to be skittish about potential negative press.

And there's the problem. The RIAA obviously doesn't mind playing the bad cop role. If ISPs are going to work with in tandem with the RIAA, they will have a difficult time convincing the public they are the good cops.

These partnerships look good on paper: companies fighting digital piracy, working in tandem to punish repeat violators, and all of this backed up by self-reported surveys that indicate warning emails can curb much illegal behavior. Getting companies to police their networks and disconnect some customers -- and that's the end game here -- without disruptions (from consumer groups, government bodies) is easier said than done.