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Napster Comes Full Circle, Launches DRM-Free MP3 Store

By soulxtc

Takes on Apple's iTunes with the 6 million tracks of its own and in a format that provides far more convenience, portability, and functionality. It's still fascinating to consider that the RIAA could have literally nipped the file-sharing problem in the bud almost a decade ago by embracing Naspter and digital music distribution back in 1999. Instead of seeing the future or to even be willing to consider the possibility of other music formats beyond the traditional CD, it opted to sue anyone who even attempted to test out the idea and then proceeded to sew the Earth with salt to prevent any further disruption to its monopoly as music's gatekeeper. Napster's centralized nature allowed it and the service to be shutdown, but, as we all know, a steady succession of file-sharing programs filled the gap left by its demise. To boot, they were decentralized and left the RIAA desperately suing single-mothers, the disabled, college students, children, and even the deceased.

Full post as published by ZeroPaid on May 21, 2008 (boomark / email).