Update on Napster

As many of you now know, Napster has encountered many legal battles regarding the downloading of MP3s.  We have found an alternative to Napster called WinMX.  WinMX can be downloaded from Computers Today Download Page.  The software functions are similar to Napster.  So, Keep downloading and enjoy your music! 

Smell the Coffee

I've been listening to all the hoopla regarding Napster. My tongue is still no more. This is the way I see it gang: Keep the downloads coming.

Yes, I've heard the argument that Napster will destroy the Artists that create the music, but I disagree. Consumers have had many products that enabled them to copy music but that never hurt the artists.  My examples are radio, reel to reel, 8 track, cassette tapes and now the most recent CD burners. These technologies have always enabled us to borrow and replicate a friend's musical collection . But there are limiting factors. Don't forget that it takes time and money for the equipment to do so.

Similarly, Napster,  requires computer equipment and accessories. I admit that I enjoy downloading music that is tailored to me but it comes at a cost. As I said first it takes a computer.  Then I bought a CD burner.   I also use a cable modem. Those of you with a 28.8 modem know why.

Many of my friends who indulge in the Napster habit have also purchased mp3 players so they can bring the music away from their computer location.

My point is this:  Only a small sector of the population is partaking in this product so I can't believe it is causing lower CD sales. Another point is that now that CD burners are here anyone can borrow a CD and burn a copy of it. Why is this any different than video taping a movie from the tube???

Additionally think of all the new products that are booming because of this demand to download MP3s. The legal hurdles to prevent Napster are pretty high.

It gets pretty technical. Even the definition of a "song" is being rewritten. Is a song the noise we hear or the format that it is written in? Now that songs are digital, do we copyright the musical notes and their sequence or do we copyright the digital value of the musical notes that make the song.

I say leave it alone and let the consumers enjoy the new technology just like we enjoy taping movies with our VCR.

Let me hear your opinions and keep downloading my good friends!

Tz