Big Mick, I don't agree that it all boils down to one thing - "Us trying to get something for nothing" ! I share your concerns about it putting the smaller artists out of business....but on the whole people who support those 'struggling' artists, are as aware of our obligation to support them by paying for their product, as you are. I AM fully aware of that moral aspect.....however - I have downloaded from napster a few times....specifically to see what Skunk Anansie was like, I had heard some great stuff of their's & some awful stuff & wasn't sure if I wanted to waste my money on something I wouldn't listen to - CD's are expensive. I'm quite skint most of the time. This led me to buy three of her albums & go rushing out to buy every new release - "without" going back to Napster & downloading bad quality, glitchy recordings. The professional musicians would be very divided on this issue - some would see it as a way to improve their sales, some would regard it as the opposite, if the record companies allowed their musicians to 'speak-out' for themselves, I am sure the serious fans would respect their wishes & not take the 'freebie' option.

pip (sorry I ramble - I'm not so good at self-expression)