"In the past couple of weeks, we have removed about 2,000 infringing clips from YouTube," said John Giacobbi, president of Web Sheriff. "We get them down and the next day, there are 100 or 200 more. Their business model is built on making money off other people's creative work."  

Good call, Prince.  Take those clips down, baby!  Who would want to free publicity of YouTube, the ability to reach billions of people around the world and keep his name relevant? 

Not to mention, it’s unlikely YouTube or eBay relies on Prince for profit.  Though no official numbers are known, it’s widely speculated that YouTube, for one, isn’t making a whole lot of money today, though plans to capitalize on its popularity through advertising strategies are officially in the works.

Now Prince, who over the past few years has reemerged as a meaningful act, is jeopardizing his reputation.  Maybe 7 or 8 years ago, when bashing Napster was a stylish accessory for bands like Metallica (who have since joined the ranks of Poison, Cinderella, and Slaughter in the relevance department), his piracy claims would hold water.  But now it’s clear that popularity on YouTube and other video sites is the quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to remain a force.