An early but important example of the tensions created by freely-available online content was Napster. Napster was a peer-to-peer music-sharing service that enabled the widespread dissemination of copyrighted content. It’s popularity set off an early debate about the relationship between the internet and the traditional music industry. Critics pointed out that Napster was clearly violating copyright. Supporters, however, pointed out that it was unclear whether this was hurting or helping music sales by allowing users to find music online that was not being played on the radio. While Napster was eventually shut down, its effect on the music industry continues to be felt. Albums are distributed differently, all-you-can-eat music subscriptions have become more powerful, and touring has become more financially important to many artists.
Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).
Part of the www.internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (www.bluegroup.systems) production.