[thelist] [OT] Napster

> Yup, this is off-topic, but it's internet related & I hope that some of
you
> find this as amusing as I do :)

Plus, it parallels some other happenings in the Internet community.

> You are all no doubt aware of the controversy surrounding the Napster MP3
> software, the legal action being taken against them by Metallica and the
> opinions of other artists such as Eminem, Dr Dre & Madonna.

The problem is these artists' ignorance. Because of the structure of
Napster, there is the possibility for some future regulation. BUT, when
Metallica does something stupid like ban Napster members, these members have
two choices:

a. use a different user name
b. use a different Napster-like network

'b' is the problem for these guys. There are other networks out there that
don't rely in a server (such as Gnutella). Rather, they work on a peer-peer
sort of deal. So, how can this be regulated?

Of course, I don't see how the charges against Napster are their fault...
seems to me that the people downloading the copyrighted material are the
ones to go after. But then again, I'm no lawyer and facilitating piracy
might be enough. Either way, the artists lose.

--
mattwarden
mattwarden.com