I've used Napster quite a bit. Like you it allows me to check out tunes I'd never find otherwise. And like you I use it as a previewer: if I like the CD, I buy it - otherwise I delete the files. (Okay, so maybe that is influenced by how much HD space I have available, but still have some sense of morality.)
Someone posted an article here a couple months ago. The bottom line message was that the recording industry (RI) needs to face up to the fact that there is a new and considerably faster means of distributing music, namely PTP file sharing, that they cannot get rid of. They may not like it, but it's here to stay.
If there were a means for me to purchase these tunes in MP3 format, I probably would. I already have in a few cases. (Unfortunately there isn't a lot of music I like available that way.) I strongly suspect that the majority of people out there would do the same, and it could represent a formidable jump in profits for the RI.
However the RI has chosen to fight the phenomenon as opposed to jumpin on the bandwagon. I'm sure they have their reasons, but they are cutting their own throats in the process.
A case in point: in cooperation with RIAA, Napster now has put a filter in its software to prevent users from seeing files of those using other PTP client software (such as AudioGnome and WinMX). These other users, can still see the files of Napster users.
The reason for this filter is that these other clients can also access other PTP servers. Unlike Napster, these servers are not run for profit, and are pretty well exempt from the same attacks suffered by Napster by RIAA. What it does, though, is encourage Napster users to switch over to these other clients, which encourages unregulated PTP file sharing all the more.
Before long, though, someone is going to figure out how to do this a lot more intelligently and justly to the artists, and make one heapload of money.
It's here. Maybe it's not queer. Get used it to it anyway.
Dave
On Fri, 30 Mar 2001 09:57:24 -0000 Dave Haynes <gvcontact@hotmail.com> wrote:
I was wondering what everybody's views were on Napster.
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