Metallica vs Napster
Dateline: 05/15/00
By now, you've surely heard the news of Metallica, and their pending lawsuit against the makers of the mp3 trading software Napster. If you're behind the ball, and aren't aware of the Napster/Metallica controversy, you can get the broad overview from a Reuters report.
Napster complies with Metallica
After a May 8th ruling by a federal judge, dismissing Napster's claims that they were not responsible for the illegal actions of their users, the software makers have seemingly begun to co-operate with Metallica. Recent developments have seen Napster voluntarily banning over 300,000 of it's users, who were found to have been sharing Metallica songs via the software. For the full story, read the release posted on the Napster site.
Additionally, without any fanfare, Napster released a new beta 6 version of their software. This newest update offers instant messaging, a built-in web browser, advanced search features, and more. Many Napster users were immediately sceptical of the newest version of Napster, and apparently, for good reason. One of the other, unannounced new features of Napster beta 6 was the inclusion of hidden registry entries that prevents users from changing their username, and re-logging on if they were banned. This, of course, has not deterred many Napster users, who have already started posting workaround methods to the ban on the official Napster Discussion Forum.
Napster users fight back
Predictably, many Napster users have found ways to lash out at both Metallica, and at Napster for the ban. Some disgruntled users have created websites designed to mock Metallica, and their legal maneuverings. The Paylars.com site has launched a sarcastic initiative to collect donations for Metallica, to re-imburse the band for monies they claim to have lost via napster mp3 trading. As of 05/15, the site has raised $345 for Metallica.
Additionally, the Camp Chaos site has posted a scathing Metallica Cartoon, which depicts the band's James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich in a rather unflattering light (definitely not for the kids... nasty language abounds!)
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Chat Transcript with Metallica
Read the transcript of a chat Metallica had with internet users regarding their lawsuit against Napster. Includes pics of the band during the chat.
Digital Copyright Infringement Act
From the US Government Copyright Office, read all about what the law states regarding digital copyright infringement, and what the possible punishment is.
Lars Pirates Music
If you've read the liner notes to Garage, Inc., you know that certain members of Metallica have openly admitted to pirating music themselves. Here are the quotes.
Lars Ulrich vs Chuck D on Charlie Rose
Read a transcript of Public Enemy's Chuck D and Metallica's Lars Ulrich's debate on PBS' "The Charlie Rose Show", regarding the merits of Napster.
Metallica's Napter FAQ
Metallica gives the world their FAQ on why they decided to take action against Napster. Obviously a little self-serving, but it might answer the questions some fans might have.
Napster Discussion Forum
A very active and very animated message board on the Napster website. Don't be surprised to see lots of "Metallica sucks" comments, usually with much stronger language.
Reactions from Krist Novoselic and Nikki Sixx
The ex-Nirvana bassist, and the Motley Crue singer go public with their opinions of Metallica and Napster.
