MP3 are a new type of mpeg file that allow for good sound quality and long play time music files (among other things) that you can download directly from the internet. Many musical performers are using this media as a way to get their songs heard by the masses, but there is also controversy as MP3 is a relatively new type of recording device that allows for popular music to be "pirated", or illegally reproduced so that the artists and labels do not receive royalties for their work. Anyone interested in finding out about MP3 and its controversy, how it works, or where to go to get MP3 and music files will find much information here.

MP3 Websites | Other References | My Internet Story

MP3.com -- The MP3 Resource on the Internet
A comprehensive website with tons of information on what MP3 is as well as many fresh articles and news topics concerning MP3 and law. This site is very well organized and offers a variety of services besides news, such as links to free music files, MP3 hardware and software, and artists' websites, as well as online help.

RIAA's Campaign to Protect Music on the Internet
Website of "RIAA", which stands for Recording Industry Association of America. Offers information on MP3, the legality and morality of internet music and addresses the problems of MP3. Attempts to educate universities and students about respecting the rights of artists on the Internet.

MP3now.com -- Ultimate MP3 Resource
A large site with many articles, includes links to top MP3 search engines, popularity charts, download sites, special guides, and links to other sites. Also has a large newsgroups section, and a search engine for MP3s and artists.

MP3 FAQ
The A B C's of MP3... This site gives detailed information on what MP3 is, what it is good for, and how to use it, as well as information on how to get, play and troubleshoot MP3's and software.

Other Reference Sources

1. Dvorak, John C. (March 9, 1999). MP3 Spells Disaster; record companies will not be able to stop MP3-based bootlegging of songs via the Internet. PC Magazine. [Online] 806 words. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS [1999 February 14]

2. Kristen Kenedy (October 19, 1998 ). Industry Group Goes on Record Against Rio Device -- Diamond Product Lets Users Play Web's Music. Computer Retail Week. [Online] 611 words. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS [1999 February 14]

3. Kirchofer, Tom (February 1, 1999). Internet search service offers easier access to music files. The Associated Press. [Online] 567 words. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS [1999 February 14]

4. Olson, Catherine Applefeld (February 13, 1999). Ryko Licenses Songs For MP3. Billboard Publications, Inc. [Online] 737 words. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS [1999 February 14]

5. PR Newswire (February 8, 1999). MCY Music Announces NETrax(TM) - The Revolutionary Format for Secure Digital Distribution of Music. PR Newswire Association, Inc. [Online] 528 words. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS [1999 February 14]

6. Warren Publishing, Inc. Consumer Electronics (September 14, 1998). FLASH-MEMORY PORTABLE DUE AT $200. Warren Publishing, Inc. [Online] 500 words. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS [1999 February 14]

Internet Story

Written by Matthew CarrollMarch 1999

While the legality of MP3 rests in technicalities over the recording ability of the units that play these files, proponents aren't waiting for the big lawsuits to settle the matter as new technologies are being released to utilize MP3 files and revolutionize the way the world listens to and aquires music. There is already a plethora of MP3 downloadable files at various sites on the Internet, both legal and illegal pirate sites, and several downloadable software applications to play and record MP3 songs on personal computers. With the advent of the Rio PMP 300 from Diamond Multimedia, a user can take his or her soundfiles away from their computer and into realms previously dominated by compact discs and tapes. The Rio offers MP3 to go. It can play up to an hour's worth of CD quality music, runs on a single AA battery, has a relative size of a deck of cards and contains no moving parts. These elements combine to form a versatile piece of equipment to rival even the best current CD players on the market today in sound quality, mobility, and size.

Of course, this new techno outlet has the record industry in a bind over issues of copyright infringement and artists freedoms concerning publishing. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) filed an unsuccessful lawsuit against Diamond Multimedia in an attempt to prevent the sale of the new Rio, and record labels and their artists are at odds concerning freely downloadable songs. Notably, such acts as the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy, who support the use of MP3, have been restricted by their labels from publishing new works in MP3 format on the World Wide Web since their record companies charge that it would hurt sales of CDs and tapes. However, pirated versions of popular artists' songs are widely available and the growing mobility of MP3, whether it be in a computer, walkman, or automobile, is certain to have a defining impact on how individuals acquire and listen to music. MP3 offers a viable alternative to record labels as the only outlets artists have available for disseminating their work, and is an issue that wont be going anywhere for a long time to come as record labels and musicians struggle for control over this new outlet of mobile communication.

[sources used: Newsweek,Dec 24, 1998, v132, is24, p58, and Forbes, Dec 28, 1998, v162, is14, p126]