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.