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MP3 is an audio compression file format and
by itself is not illegal or legal, but like many technologies
it can be implement for both legal and illegal uses. It is similar
to zip compression common to most PC users. Zip files can be
used to distribute copyrighted materials illegally or for legitimate
purposes. Some persons use MP3 to distribute unlicensed music,
but many use the technology for completely legal applications. |
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MP3 is an open standard, meaning
no one organization controls it. On the Internet, open standards
win and this is why even without any significant corporate backing,
MP3 is already the de facto standard. There are more MP3 listeners,
software programs, and hardware devices than any other CD quality
audio format in the world. Microsoft has built MP3 support into
Windows98 SP1. Macromedia Shockwave uses MP3. Newest version
of RealPlayer will support MP3. Microsoft NetShow also supports
MP3. |
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Artists and
labels can employ MP3 technology in the best way to suit their
individual needs. Give away one song to sell a CD, distribute
low quality versions of songs, sell individual songs for digital
delivery, prepend an audio commercial to songs, there are limitless
possibilities for artists to explore. |
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A large number of software, hardware and
content companies are building thriving businesses around MP3. |
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There are many thousands of artists already
distributing their content in MP3 format today. Thousands sell
individual songs and thousands are using MP3 to market their
work as on the MP3.com song section. |
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It costs nothing to begin playing
MP3s (simply download a free player from MP3.com). With $20 in
software (such as MusicMatch) and a modern PC, anyone can construct
MP3 files from audio CDs with a literally a few clicks of a mouse. |
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MP3 is simply a file compression method which
can also include any advanced technology to regulate the use
of MP3 files. Technologies such as digital watermarking, preventing
digital broadcasts from being saved, restricting the playback
of an audio file to one computer are all possible and in use
in MP3 applications today. |
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Press
releases have quoted losses in the billions to MP3 piracy. If
CD sales are lost due to piracy, many are sure to be made up
by exposing people to more music who then buy CDs from bands
they would not have ever heard otherwise. In reality, it's an
impossible number to measure. The true impact of MP3 has yet
to be felt on any grand scale. |
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Given the world audience the internet
provides, smaller music niches can be successfully identified
and courted. Bands can touch a multi-million person audience
at little to no cost using areas like the MP3 Artist Program,
mailing lists and other online tools. |
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