Napster is known as one of the most influential Internet applications since email and instant messenger. Now the destiny of a website that has changed the entire music industry is hanging by a thread called the First Amendment. The most popular websites for more than 25 millions users may be shut down due to copyright infringement lawsuits. In Time Magazine's October 3, 2000 issue, Karl Taro Greenfield reports the on-going debate and trial about Napster's fate on pages 60-68.
             When Shawn Fanning, 19, attended Northeastern University; his friends would always complain how hard it was to find good music on the Internet. Every website they tried would lead to dead ends or they would have to pay for music they wanted to download. Fanning thought of a good idea, that if he combined the codes of Internet Relay Chat, a instant messenger, Microsoft Windows, for file sharing, a search engine, and filtering capabilities; he could make a person to person website that would work without a central server. Working without a central server is the key aspect of Napster, since all the MP3 files are being shared by different users no copyright laws are being broken. That is where the problems start, whether or not Napster uses a central server as a means to transfer music files. Five recording companies and the Recording Industry Association of America have sued Napster, claiming the website and Fanning's program are stealing intellectual property. Napster is giving!
             a strong fight against one of the biggest industries, most likely taking this suit to the Supreme Court.
             The musicians are taking sides, some believe that Napster is just stealing their original work, and then there are others that just want their music out and people listening to it, no matter if any one gets paid. Lars Ulrich the drummer for Metallica, an outspoken opponent of Napster explains, "Why would people pay for music if they get it for free? We&apos...