ATLANTA, Sept. 27 /CNW/ — Communities across America have
generously responded to the urgent needs of those impacted by Hurricane
Katrina. Now one of the newest communities — peer-to-peer (P2P) computer
network users — has joined in the efforts with the downloading and purchase
of a song dedicated to the storm’s victims.
To date, P2P users have contributed more than $4,000.00 to the American
Red Cross’s Disaster Relief Fund (www.redcross.org) with the purchase
of “This Too Will Pass,” written and performed by Internet-based singer-
songwriter Scooter Scudieri (www.firstrockstar.com). Recorded and
launched just four days after Katrina’s landfall, “This Too Will Pass” was
previewed more than 12,000 times in its first week alone. Following the free
preview, P2P users are able to purchase the song for 89 cents ($.89), with
80 cents ($.80) going directly to Red Cross relief efforts. Scudieri had
written the piece earlier this year and said that “given the healing power of
music, I knew something positive could result with the song’s release.”
“P2P users routinely employ file-sharing technology to acquire
entertainment media. It’s gratifying to see so many using it to tap into their
generosity as well,” commented Les Ottolenghi, president of INTENT MediaWorks
(www.intentmediaworks.com). The Atlanta-based company distributes
legitimate entertainment content over major open P2P networks including
BearShare, eDonkey, Grokster, Kazaa and TrustyFiles.

“We expect additional industry participation over the coming days and
weeks. With an estimated 60 million P2P users in the U.S., the potential to
help Katrina’s victims is enormous. And it reflects the capabilities this
technology holds to distribute content both ethically and effectively,”
Ottolenghi continued.
The fundraising idea had initial support from the Distributed Computing
Industry Association (www.dcia.info), the file-sharing industry’s
principal trade group.
“As the newest online distribution channel, we felt we should also take
responsibility to help Hurricane Katrina’s victims. We’re grateful to see more
of our members and more of the file-sharing public taking part,” commented
Marty Lafferty, DCIA chief.
Individuals may also make contributions to the Red Cross’s relief efforts
by calling 800-HELP-NOW (800-435-7669) or visiting www.redcross.org.

About INTENT MediaWorks: Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., INTENT MediaWorks
(IMW) is the world’s largest distributor of authorized P2P download
entertainment media. IMW’s technologies enable content owners to provide their
works safely, securely and directly to consumers over major P2P file-sharing
networks and through major download sites on the Web. With 250 million P2P
users acquiring content each month, IMW offers marketers the single most
effective channel for reaching the world’s digital media consumers. More
information at www.intentmediaworks.com.

About the DCIA: Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Distributed Computing
Industry Association (DCIA) is a voluntary organization representing all
sectors of the distributed computing industry including content providers,
software developers and distributors, and service and support companies. The
association’s mission is to develop standards and practices that advance this
burgeoning, consumer-based distribution channel. More information at
www.dcia.info.

About Scooter Scudieri: Widely acknowledged as the most searched for
independent rock musician on P2P networks, Scooter Scudieri is redefining
music production, promotion and distribution via the Internet. The
Shepherdstown, West Va.-based artist is a Songwriters Hall of Fame Award
winner and has appeared with such worldwide artists as The Dave Matthews Band,
Nils Lofgren, Jewel and others. More information at
www.firstrockstar.com.
Via www.newswire.ca