Before the Supreme Court ruling, the entertainment industry had taken other legal action to stop file-swappers.

ECONOMIST: Online pirates forced to walk the plank

Besides helping the RIAA track down music pirates, Microsoft has successfully pushed for tougher penalties for software swappers.

CNN: The next piracy panic: Software

House swappers quickly realize they need to be open-minded and have a sense of humor about the unexpected inconveniences that can pop up.

CNN: The secrets to happy house swapping

There are inherent risks associated with swapping homes, but I believe most swappers are great guests for one simple reason: They, too, have left their homes in the care of strangers.

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