Metallica, Napster, and Blogs, OH MY!

Image courtesy of: metsanitarium.blogspot.com

When Lars Ulrich put an ad in a LA based newspaper back in 1981, he had no idea how successful the band he was about to create would become. They have become so popular, that the fan sites are almost endless. One of the better blogs I was able to find, is called: Sanitarium... And Metallica blog for all. This blog is all about the band that helped create a buzz about the digital rights management/free culture phenomenon. The blog itself hosts a great forum where the band actually participates. You can "ask Lars a question," look for new pictures of the band in the studio, or look up the lyrics to any Metallica song. There are also daily news updates about the band, video footage of jamming, concerts, and special appearances. This site has everything a Metallica fan could need, to be closer to their heroes.

In the year 2000 A.D., an epidemic swept the nation, that caused rock bands to go soft, caused children to be arrested, and caused a stir in the music industry. I am referring to Napster. At the time, Metallica had found out that a demo of their song entitled, "I Disappear," was leaked on the Internet. After finding the source of the leak, the band realized it was coming from Napster. At the time, one could file share on Napster, and it was easy to obtain free music. Metallica didn't think of it as free though, they thought of it as stealing. They filed a law suit, accusing Napster of copyright infringement, unlawful use of digital audio interface device, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Apparently, it was college campuses that were doing the most damage. Napster was banned there, doing more damage to the music site than expected. Napster had to file for bankruptcy.

In the aftermath of this, Napster opened a music store, where one can purchase music legally. Music is now offered through a subscription based approach. People are now charged to put music on their Ipods, and if they want to burn music onto a CD, it cost ninety-nine cents. Wikipedia explains digital rights management as, " a generic term that refers to access control technologies used by hardware manufacturers, publishers and copyright holders to limit usage of digital or media devices." If that doesn't scream Napster, I don't know what does.

Metallica had a huge affect on the idea of DRM, and the systems we use today. The best way to enjoy the free culture movement these days, seems to be through reading blogs. The author, or blogger, is still an artisit, and wants his or her work to be enjoyed. Another great thing about reading blogs, is that you don't have to pay any extra fees, and Lars Ulrich won't have you arrested. It sounds like a win-win situation.

Media Democracy Meets Perez Hilton

We've all seen and heard his name. Most of us have even been on his blog once or twice in our lives, or in a day. He is a facet of our present popular culture. His name is Mario Lavandeira, also known as Perez Hilton. He is a blogger who has created his empire, by writing stories about celebrities, and drawing animation over pictures of these celebrities. His celebrity gossip stories are said to come from "friends" and "acquaintances" he knows in the biz. Isn't it interesting that a kid from the east coast, with a B.A. from NYU in Drama, could make a career out of rumors and doodling over pictures of celebrities? It sounds more like something a seventh grade girl would do in detention. Media democracy has been changing the way media is being molded. Before, we just had shows like Access Hollywood, and Entertainment Tonight. Now, anyone with writing experience and a computer can start a blog about anything they want.

In this creative culture of digital entertainment, we deal with law suits, copyright infringements, and privacy issues. Even Perez Hilton has had his share of these problems. In 2005 he was accused of stealing pictures from other websites to use on his blog. He finally changed his format, and he now cites where each picture comes from. He was also the target of a law suit by a D.J. named Samantha Ronson, whom accused him of writing falsities about her. He won the case, thanks to the amazing first amendment.

The electronic media is running into new issues, because the field is so, well, new. Children of the digital nineties, are growing up to start their own businesses by creating media, just for fun. Perez Hilton started blogging out of the back of a coffee shop on Sunset Boulevard, in Los Angeles, before making it big. He did it for fun, while freelance writing for tabloid magazines. Now he has an online radio broadcast, his own television show, a clothing line, a musical on Broadway based on his character, and he has launched many musical acts into the limelight. If it wasn't for his blog, no one would have heard Katy Perry's pop song that ruled the airways this summer, "I kissed a girl."

Media democracy is changing just as fast as the industry is. With bloggers like Lavandeira , kids who post homemade videos on Youtube, and the social website epidemic (such as Facebook and Myspace), media democracy might not be as relevant an issue as it is right now. It helps protect and promote the everyday person who wants to express themselves via the electronic media. The site Perez Hilton, only proves that there is a new and growing market for hopes and dreams. Just make sure that if you do become a Youtube star, you make friends with Mario Lavandeira, because he might just make you, instead of break you.