I have to jump in on this issue. Forthe most part I agree with Vince.
But why are the record companies or Metallica crying foul? Just as a previous point brought out......the need for record companies will be a thing of the past. A major label is having trouble keeping all these lush offices worldwide and that's one reason they were busted with price fixing. With the internet and Napstar an artist can sell their own music with the free advertizing the internet brings. The record company of the future will be a wherhouse with the CD making machines and computers to fill orders.
My other pro Napstar and for this I feel no shame in downloading songs. Rare tracks! I just downloaded 6 Def Leppard songs. Now while I love the band, have All offical releases and if they ever put out a b-sides cd I would buy it. But don't cry if you won't release rare stuff. This will also send fear to the record industry. If an artist has a few left over songs they could sell it via the website, sorry three piece suit no new BMW!
Napstar is also where I just downloaded new Rob Halford. After TWO I would have to hear it first before buying. I liked it and bought the CD! I downloaded off Napstar the whole new Journey........LOVE IT and will buy it! Get IT?!
Last point. If you went to napstar and looked up everybody on it a small percent of people have whole albums, most are previewing songs before spending the money.
And DJ, if you work for radio and radio wasn't sheep to MTV and had the balls to play all rock music I could "preview" songs on radio. But since radio dosen't have the balls......