METALLICA VS. NAPSTER:

The Controversy Taking Place Over The Lawsuit.

Metallica is suing Napster for creating a parody to "Master of Puppets," off of the "Master of Puppets" album. They are also suing MP3 for distributing "I Disappear" before it came out in stores.

The Arguements Being Thrown Around:
In a recent article I read (Sue 'em All by Larry Getlen, page 53 of the 5/17/2000 edition of City Link), I've learned that Metallica brought in a documented list of 335,435 fans who traded materials using Napster and MP3. Mr. Getlen states that the band "betrayed their fans in one of the most heinous, disturbing manners ever committed by an artist." He goes on to describe how these fans feel betrayed as they feel that they made the band who they are. He says that Napster and MP3 help advertise for a band, to sort of push them out into the open. Getlen ends his article saying that Metallica became multimillionaires, then left behind the "culture from which they emerged."

My Feedback and Opinion.

Yes, Larry, those fans have right to feel betrayed, as we live in the United States of America in the year 2000. This is not Orwell's "1984" where the thought police will track you down for thinking against their beliefs. However, have you ever read the United States' Constitution? Or sat through a lecture about laws, acts, bills, and amendments in school? Or read those long chapters assigned to be read overnight? I have. As a matter of fact, at only age 16 and 11th grade, I know many of these laws by just sitting in high school American History Honors. Why is Metallica suing? Napster and MP3 have committing copyright infringment, an act I consider to be "heinous" and "disturbing." And in this country, one has the right to sue if copyright infringment has taken place upon one's own material. Metallica chose to sue. It's true, they ARE already multimillionaires from selling all their albums, concert tickets, and merchandise. Nevertheless, they decided that Napster and MP3 should learn to ask permission next time. And about pushing all those bands out into the world. At this point in time, does Metallica really need Napster and MP3 to help them? You did say so yourself that they are already multimillionaires. Metallica has had about 20 years or more to accumulate fans from all over the world. Their current fans get friends into the music, therefore eliminating the need to trade via the internet. I could pull up Metallica's offical website to find any of their music. Napster and MP3 are good for local bands, who would like to make a living out of being musicians.
Mr. Getlen, I suggest you sit down and read up on the United States' Judicial System. You might realize why Metallica has right to sue Napster, MP3, and anyone else who uses their material without permission.