This paper will offer an overview of the MP3 phenomenon with the goal of presenting the two, sharply defined sides in the debate over the use and distribution of MP3 music files. On the one side are the consumers, and the creators and purveyors of MP3, including programmers, site managers, and artists. This group believes that music should be freely available for download despite the obvious copyright and royalty infringements. The recording industry labels and some artists represent the other side the battle. They believe they have the sole right to represent artists, to promote them, and to sell and distribute their work. 6 pgs. 7 f/c. 7b.
