MP3

[SithLord075]

Alright...I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times over, but I would really like atleast a semi-solid answer. Is the use of Napster or any other program used to download MP3 files over the net legal? If not, then why the heck is it still up with thousands of users downloading music every minute of the day? Are the true legal issues and penalties still pending? Are Napster users monitored by certain groups (and I'm not talkin' about rock groups)? When the legalities of trading copyright material over the wire with the use of these programs finally get written in stone(if it ever happens), will users get hit with a fine...or worse? I'm hearing about people downloading hundreds of albums (high quality encoding) all the time, and they all have a smirk on their face, as though there's not a **** thing anyone can do about it. Is it true that the law cannot get involed yet, or are these people just being ignorant with copyright material? Don't get me wrong...I'm not affiliated with anyone trying to shut the MP3 revolution down. I've been into the format since '97. And I've never swapped online. I would really like to hear from both parties (for and against) involving this issue. Please don't give me a url to CNET News and tell me to find out for myself...I'd like to read what real users/non-users have to say regarding this. Thanks.

[Gomer]

Mp3's...... on this computer.... where did those come from? Still as much a legal going on with mp3's these days as there is in Florida right now regarding the election. If there ever is a penalty of any sorts I would be surprised.

[SithLord075]

lol...hey, where's the blue paint?

[GroundZero3]

if they did closed all file sharing programs (or banned them)they would have to close down IRC. which i don't think would happen for a long time! i say its not illegal. its just like recording a tape or off the radio like we all used to do back in the day.

JaYsin

[MiKe85]

hmm...Isn't this great?first is the fact that ANYTHING and EVERYTHING on your computer is legal (Warez, MP3,etc) as long as you delete it within 24-48 hrs...(Even though no one does)

Second looks who's making the biggest fuss over all this- Metallica (Although they rock, their old and not too 'down' with technology..hehe) and the other big 'cheese' is Dr. Dre, he's just been smoking too much 'chronic' so look at the main people suing...hehe
Just my perspective

MiKe

[brandon184]

Recording a tape from the radio is illegal!?

- Brandon

[SithLord075]

I've asked around quite a bit, and there's a pretty overwhelming amount of users on Napster. To be honest, I wouldn't mind checking it out a bit. Personally, I don't see what the big deal is about grabbing a few tracks...I've spent atleast $2500 on CD's in the last 3 years, new and used. Yes, I too think that the format is here to stay (my entire collection backed up @160)...I just don't want to be on Lars' next court sh*t list over a couple of tracks. Those guys are gettin' lazy anyways.

[Warthog]

My theory:
If Napster and other programs are still up, then it is legal.

Don't count on MP3s to disappear overnight. There is hundreds of software and players available. It will NEVER disappear.

They can take Napster, but they will never take our freedom!

Warthog