Gypsy;

"Napster" is a program which enables individuals to trade MP3 files of songs very easily over the net.

It is a program which lends itself very easily to piracy of copyright protected material, and this is where the controversy arises.

Napster (named after the creator's cat, no less - thus explaining the logo as well) is merely the largest and most visible of the various "file swapping" software programs.

The current dispute is based from a pair of lawsuits over copyright infringement, one lodged by the heavy metal band Metallica, the other by the RIAA. Earlier this week, they won an injunction shutting down the Napster service as of midnight PST Friday. Early Friday, Napster won a stay against this injunction.

I'm moderately pro-Napster. I see there having been abuses, but there being far more potential for the benefit of artists than the potential for abuse. Others will disagree with this. As such, I'll refer you to the Napster website itself, and leave it for others to post sites regarding the counterpoint.

Peace.

M