For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Regardless of the outcome, there are already many companies waiting in the wings to see what happens. Some will benefit and some will hurt from either decision made.
The only clear conclusion is that MP3 technology is here to stay.
Below are some thoughts from editors here at Suite101.com:
"I see both sides of the issue of Napster."Personally, I love it! However, I can see the artists/labels getting a little antsy because they aren't getting any royalties. I usually download live stuff and not the commercially available stuff so my conscience is somewhat clear.
"It is also a wonderful opportunity for unknown bands to really stir up some interest in their work and certainly another marketing tool for perhaps former big bands that aren't doing so well anymore on a worldwide scale.
"I definitely see this getting bigger and bigger and I'm sure, law schools will begin to have whole courses devoted to Internet security like they do for torts and divorce."
- Michele Morabito - '80s Music
"I think that the music industry is just going through growing pains - as are many industries when it comes to the Internet. Technological advancement always seems to spawn this type of controversy and debate."I mean how about VCR's and the countless number of people who would dub movies? Though the Internet allows much more widespread circulation, I don't think it will harm music sales in the long run. Music lovers will continue to purchase their favorite artists music legally - those who don't intend to buy it in the first place will dub a friend's copy or use the Internet, but I feel it will balance out.
"However, from a legal and public relations perspective, the music industry must speak out against it or else it would signal that the act of not purchasing CD's is okay. So their outcry is typical and expected, it insures that attention is brought to the issue, so that it won't get out of hand. They know its a battle that's hard to win, the Internet is forcing everyone to reconsider how they make money these days.
"The music industry will just have to face facts and know that the Internet is here to stay, so they'll have to stay one step ahead of it when it comes to distributing music."
- Paula Chase-Hyman - R&B/Soul Music
"I'm not sure what will happen withThe copyright of the article For Whom the Bell Tolls? in Internet & Society is owned by Caroline Baker. Permission to republish For Whom the Bell Tolls? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic
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