Napster Shouldn’t Be Banned

I used to think that Napster was wrong to use and that it should be banned. Later, I changed my mind and put Napster on my computer. I’m only 15, but I feel so strongly about this that I felt I must tell others my stand on this.

Think about this: Is it illegal to record movies or shows on TV? Absolutely not. Should it be any different about music on the Internet? No.

People are simply trading files of their own music on a Web site. I believe it should be against the law to take these recorded files and sell them to other people, however. But everyone has a right to download and to listen to them.

I watched a show about Napster a few days ago, and what was reported was the truth. Music is eventually going to be free. Musicians are just going to have to find a way to make money in other ways such as through concerts and merchandise. Technology is changing so fast.

Besides, what does anyone think getting rid of Napster is going to do? I could e-mail a thousand people an audio file of a song. Anyone could. There are tons of other Web sites doing much what Napster is, except they are impossible to stop.

So, to sum it up, I believe that it’s not against copyright laws because Napster is not selling these songs. Napster is not claiming to own rights to these songs either.

KERRY ESKENAS

Simi Valley