e country this year. Napster stresses that it is a software provider, and that the users are at fault for any illegally traded files. Napster does not itself make available any MP3 materials over the Internet. It merely provides computer software that lets its users choose which files to make available to each other and which files to download.Napster that is literally robbing artists from selling more records and making profit outrages record companies. Record labels aren't happy about illegal MP3s to begin with, so they're livid that Napster makes it easy for the compressed music files to zip across the Internet. The group that has had the biggest opposition to Napster is Metallica. The legendary rock group with millions of fans has constantly complained of monetary losses due to a great decrease in sales. The group claims that people should appreciate their hard work by purchasing their music, not by disrespecting them by downloading their songs off Napster. *SUSPENDED THOUSANDS OF USERS* Fans have responded to such actions by boycotting artists who disprove of their beloved program. Artists who have supported Napster have received positive reactions from the fans. Madonna had this to say about it, “Napster could be a great way for people to hear your music who wouldn't have the chance to hear it on the radio. The amount of time companies spend stressing about getting a record on radio, I would think that the idea of some big, global listening post would make perfect sense.” Many artists make little money from CD sales, the bulk of their income coming from concert ticket sales and promotional merchandise like t-shirts and posters. In the meantime, the recording industry's big fears about losing its grip on the music market will likely continue making it a staunch Napster nemesis.Has Napster "sold out?" No. We strongly believe that this partnership with Bertelsmann is an important next step for Napster. Napster is a busine...
