Succumb to the new wave of music distribution--Napster
Written: Oct 30 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Smaller storage of audio files, portability, ease of use, etc.
Cons: Moral significanes, possible damage to artists
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| boden11's Full Review: Napster |
Ahh, the hotly debated topic of the new century--Napster. Praised by computer users, MP3 lovers, the general proletariat, hated by music artists and the recording industry. Before I delve into this subject, let me first give some background information.
MPEG Layer ...what?
MP3 is not a new technology. It's been around for about 5-6 years and is basically an audio codec (compression/decompression) which allows people to compress CD quality music into files of a much smaller size on their computer. These files are generally about 1/11th the size of the raw audio data that this music is stored on in its true CDDA format (Compact Disc Digital Audio).
MP3 stands for Mpeg-1, Layer 3. Actually before MP3 took off, there were earlier formats of storage, MODs, WAVs, RA, even MP2 (Mpeg-1, Layer 2). However, the quality of sound reproduction offered by MP3's compression format is nearly unprecedented. It is a very versatile file format, and audio files can be stored in many different levels of compression based on desired quality and size. (Note that when converted back to its true format, no matter what the quality/size of the MP3, the CDDA size is based on the LENGTH of the MP3).
Enough of the history and technobabble man!
Ok, I'm sure you're all bored to death by my little departure, now on to Napster. Napster allows for easy file sharing for any computer connected to the internet (PC clone, and most recently a Macintosh version has been released). Simply download their free software, create an account and you're ready to leech away the many hundreds of gigabytes of music out there!
The problem? Obviously this seems like copyright infrigement, pure and simple. People are taking music and distributing it freely like Pokemon cards. From an ethical and moral view there is no way to support this program--it encourages and condones the proliferation of copyright infringement. However, when looked at with a more practical standpoint, Napster is about as harmless as the Easter Bunny.
The Easter Bunny?
Yes, that's right, pretty much harmless as used how 99.9% of its users do. We all buy music, listen to music on the radio, tapes, cds, even records in some obscure cases. However, on the budget by which most of us survive it would be IMPOSSIBLE to actually have a copy of all the songs we like to listen to. This wouldn't be such a problem if the radio stations on the air today played decent music, we would simply just tune into some FM station and kick back to grooving tunes. Unfortunately, most radio stations have gone the way of MTV--no music selection, and this push towards "NEW NEW NEW!!"
The result?? Nothing but 98 degrees, Brittney Spears and a whole nauseating load of other poor artists. Where's my U2? Smashing Pumpkins? Nine Inch Nails? Tool? Tears for Fears? Depeche Mode????
That's where MP3 comes in. I have most of the CD's listed by the above artists (probably spent over 200-300 dollars alone on just NIN cds), however when I'm working (read playing) on my computer, I don't want to be bothered by the constant need to switch CDs to hear the tracks I want. Now with MP3 I simply loadup a big playlist of great audio tracks and groove away.
And for the songs by artists who I don't happen to have their CD?? No big loss! Generally these artists fall in the category of 'one-hit wonder' anyway. (Babylon Zoo, Psychedelic Furs, 4 Non Blondes, etc.). I don't agree with downloading music I would buy. MP3 should not be a substitute, just an extension of how we listen to music...and heck if I realize how good an artist really is...<psst psst> I actually buy the CD! (whadda concept!)
Recommended:
Yes
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boden11
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boden11 loves gambling...errr investing in the stock market and and doing his own taxes
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