In theory, this could mean the end of record labels and other associated companies, and that is why groups like the RIAA are so worried. 3. Possible SolutionsThe music industry's response to Napster is similar to the response to the introduction of cassette tapes and VCRs. Both new technologies allowed people to record and duplicate copyrighted information and at the time, these were seen as threats to the respective industries, but time has proven that tape recordings are no substitute for professional, commercial recordings. The same can be said for Napster; while the songs can be downloaded, they are not CD quality (for the most part) and complete albums are very difficult to come by on Napster. Once an MP3 is downloaded, it can only be listened to on a computer (or a walkman-style device, such as RIO). CDs, on the other hand, are more portable - they can be easily listened to anywhere, on a computer, stereo, walkman, in a car, friends' stereos etc. Although MP3s can be written to CDs, the level of expertise required to do this means that for most people it is easier to buy a commercial CD. The 'extras' consumers get when they purchase commercial CDs also encourage people to buy CDs. Artwork, lyrics, pictures and other liner information make the purchase of a CD more valuable than just the music. However, new advancements such as multimedia components for computers (already available on some CDs, eg Blue Plate Special by the Dance Hall Crashers) including video footage, photos, games etc would encourage the purchase of CDs more so. If CDs were released with better 'extras' and reduced prices, people would be more likely to purchase them. In this case, Napster could continue, serving it's purpose as a 'try before you buy' application for the music industry. Just as people still purchase and rent videos even though they can record movies from TV and borrow tapes from friends, people will continue to buy CDs, and will be encouraged eve...
