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Is downloading music via the Internet sharing or stealing? To millions of Napster's users, it's just sharing and perfectly legal. Napster is a fast growing service that allows online users to search each others' files and exchange music stored in the MP3 format, the format used to copy songs from CDs onto computer hard drives. Napster argues that it merely provides a "conduit" to this music, and has done nothing illegal. According to Lee Gomes of The Wall Street Journal, Napster lets users obtain MP3 files of popular music, something the record industry calls "copyright infringement". Napster describes it as fans "sharing" their favorite songs over the Internet (5). A year ago, Shawn Fanning was sitting in his dorm room at Boston's Northeastern University. He was challenged by his roommate to figure out an easier way to download music from the Internet. Who knew a freshman's creation would become so controversial that 200 universities would ban it from their computer systems, and 18 record labels, plus rock band Metallica and rapper Dr. Dre would file lawsuits to abolish the Napster and their program. (www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/review/crh138.htm). Napster is among the most popular of many programs that per
Another big supporter of Napster is Vagrant Records co-owner Rich Egan according to Sonic.com: Rock News. He says that he is happy to see his artists' work distributed via Napster. Based on the number of e-mails they get from fans saying they first discovered their bands on Napster, there isn't a doubt Napster is driving more people into stores than away from them. Graham, Jefferson. Napster Reshaping Music Industry. May, 2000.. It is difficult to argue for Napster to stay legal and free. But it is legal because Napster is not commercially distributing the music that people download. Napster allows a way for new artists who are struggling to be heard to market their music. www.adage.com/interactive/daily/archives/20000807/id20000807-16.html For rapper Chuck D, the Internet poses an opportunity for musicians to market their talent and make money without the interference of big music companies. He is arguing for direct-to-consumer marketing, because it lacks the hassle of record company contracts and the various fees that go into marketing an artist's music. Chuck D says that he sees Napster as a new way of exposure. He says the fans have found a new technology, and a lot of artists, including new artists, are now being able to share a bigger money pie. Historically, the market has been dominated by four major record companies who want to continue to dominate the distribution of music. Chuck D is supporting Napster fans by running a contest on his website (www.rapstation.com). He is offering $5,000 for the best response to his question, "Why you support Napster". (www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/r
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Approximate Word count = 1099
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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