Obey your Napster, Napster..
Written: Sep 10 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Freedom, exposure, good program too
Cons: Not a one.
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| RockguyKev's Full Review: Napster |
Ok, bias aside, this is a really well developed program. It never crashes, the connection speed is always pretty good, the results are reliable and it is free. I've used other peer to peer programs, Scour Exchange, Gnutella, and they just aren't half as good as Napster. My only complaint program-wise is the removal of the former feature which allowed you to continuing a broken download. You can't do this any more unfortunately.
Finding a file you want is really easy. Many times I have not known the artist of a song (Tell me you RIAA fat cats how am I going to buy the album if I don't know the artist? huh?) and just put the title in and searched. Almost every time the title I wanted would pop up, complete with artist information. So, the program itself gets a 5.
Now, here comes the rant. One of the bands listed as supporting Napster, The Smashing Pumpkins, has always been one of those bands which I enjoyed but I felt taping their many songs off the radio was enough to keep me satisfied. I never bought an album because they had a good 7-8 songs already released. When I got Napster I downloaded some non-radio tracks and loved them completely. I have since purchased 2 albums and plan on getting 2 more. Why? Because I enjoy the music. Why the heck would I want them to stop making it? I'm going to purchase what I like. Napster isn't about getting out of paying for music, it's about finding music you like.
You know why the Recording Industry doesn't like Napster in my eyes? It's not about the money. They know they are getting better sales since the release of Napster than after. What they aren't getting is complete and total control of what artist is featured, what artist is marketed and what artist is sold. The RIAA can't control what songs make it to Napster. Heaven forbid an entire CD be heard by a listener because they might find out it sucks. Heaven forbid an independent artist get real air play and get their album sold with no money going to the RIAA. You just watch, as soon as the RIAA can control this medium it will become as huge as radio.
The radio, MTV and other exposure mediums like magazines play what the record companies want them to play. That means playing the catchiest songs of signed artists and NOTHING from independent artists. Napster screws that all up. That's their problem. It's not the money. It's not the lost sales (which don't actually exist), it's all about control.
I will never buy another album from a band who fights Napster or MP3s in general. My 4 Metallica albums (which I bought used meaning they still didn't get a dollar of my money) will never become 5. I am an honest person. The RIAA and the anti-Napster bands don't trust my integrity. Guess what money-grubbers? You couldn't see integrity if it laughed in your face.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
RockguyKev
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Member: Kevin
Location: Riverside, CA
Reviews written: 142
Trusted by: 34 members
About Me:
I like games.
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