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"Free Music @ Napster"
October 7, 2000
Jennifer Schneider
For years music lovers have frequented stores like HMV or Sam the Record Man to purchase music of all genres, in all different formats. With the arrival of the Internet and sites like Napster (http://www.napster.com), acquiring music has been made much simpler, cheaper, and let's not forget to mention, illegal.
When you visit the Napster's online music community, a search can be performed on any song title or artist name. The song's availability is contingent upon who is logged onto Napster's site. By simply being connected to the Napster server, any music files that are on your computer can become accessible to anyone else who is also connected to the server - it is one giant network. This differs from conventional Internet MP3 downloading since Napster allows you to be selective about where you choose to retrieve the song from, and there are no limits to how many songs can be downloaded. All of this means that, anyone can build up her or his own dream music collection for no cost.
Your first reaction may be that nothing is free, but this is the real deal. However, you are breaking the law when you participate in this music exchange, so your morals may put a halt to perusing the plentitude of tunes floating around in cyberspace. As of yet, there is no way to regulate this kind of music community and legal threats to shut Napster down have been put forth in court.
Not only has Napster drummed up expansive music collections for its users, it has also stirred up a lot of controversy and debate. Some would argue, that Napster is the consumer's revenge on monopolistic music corporations that mark up their products as high as 400%. Even U2's Bono was quoted as supporting the exchange of free music, arguing that he is paid too much as it is. Others may see Napster as a quicker and more refined way of borrowing music. However, there is also the argument that you are "ripping off" the artist--by avoiding the $18.00 cost of a CD you are not supporting the artist.
Whatever your standpoint, the Internet has given birth to the cultural phenomena of downloading and will foster new and exciting patterns in the ways in which consumers acquire goods.
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