Letter to the Editor: Record industry will profit from sharing

I was disappointed to read Napster spokesperson Seth Oster say that the partnership between his company and Penn State "represents a major stride forward in the battle against music piracy." Less than two years ago Napster was depicting itself as a champion for individuals' rights to exchange non-commercial copyright work. Now it is difficult to distinguish Napster's rhetoric from that of Orrin Hatch. It appears David and Goliath have become quite snuggly bedfellows.

What is becoming increasingly apparent is just how much the recording industry had to gain from that blissful honeymoon known as free file sharing. The feeding frenzy helped foster the now ubiquitous "need for instant gratification" in our generation, strangely paralleling that first free hit dealers offer..."Just to see if you like it." Mission accomplished guys. We're addicted.

My apologies to Metallica and Dre.

Ryon L. Price