Napster News 2001.3.11

As you probably know by now, the federal district court has issued a pre-trial injunction ordering Napster to block the sharing of specific music files at the request of copyright holders (in most cases, record companies or music publishers). We understand that this injunction has created some confusion, and we'd like to explain what's going on as best we can.

First, Napster is and will continue to be up and running. The injunction doesn't shut Napster down; instead, it requires us to work with the recording industry to block the sharing of specific, copyrighted works after we receive notice that those works are available through Napster. And remember - this is just a preliminary injunction. There will still be a trial, and our appeals are pending. It's not over by a long shot.

We're complying with the injunction even as we pursue our case in court. At the same time, we're trying to reach a business settlement with Vivendi/Universal, AOL/TimeWarner, Sony, EMI, and the music publishers. We've already received some removal notices, and we expect the record and music publishing companies to send many more. However, you'll still be able to share music that those companies haven't blocked. We're doing everything we can to preserve the Napster Community and the file-sharing experience.

Second, we want to thank you again for your tremendous support. Even as we comply with the injunction, we find it hard to understand why the recording industry continues this attack on their best customers - the people who use Napster. Check out the top-selling CDs this week: the number one album on the Billboard chart is Everyday by the Dave Matthews Band. Three weeks before the album's release, its debut single, "I Did It," was featured on Napster at the band's request. In the number two spot is Shaggy, who saw his sales climb because a DJ in Hawaii discovered "It Wasn't Me" using Napster. No wonder we believe Napster helps record sales.

As you know, millions of people sample new music using Napster, then go out and buy that music. In addition, millions of people discover new artists through Napster. People who use Napster buy more than three times as much music on average as non-Napster users. Members of the Napster Community are music's most passionate fans. We're going to keep fighting for your right to share files.

Finally, we've never needed your help more than we do right now. Napster can achieve nothing without the support and voices of our 70 million users. Please continue to use Napster, and continue to make your voice heard in school, at work, in your community, and especially on Capitol Hill.

Q & A on Record Companies Removing Files from Napster http://www.napster.com/pressroom/010308-qanda.html

Hank's statement http://www.napster.com/pressroom/pr/010306.html

Speakout! http://www.napster.com/speakout

What You Can Do to Help

Washington matters! The RIAA has hired a slew of big-name lobbyists and has made big donations to politicians to protect the record companies and promote their interests. You need to make your voice heard. Tell Congress that file sharing over the Internet should not be shut down. Contact Congress by email or with a toll-free call (1-877-SHARING) to let them know how you feel! For helpful calling guidelines and a tool to find Congressional addresses and emails, go to:

http://speakout.napster.com/

It's best to call Monday-Friday during Washington's normal business hours: 9-6 EST. If you get a busy signal, it means that many other Napster supporters are calling Congress at the same time: keep trying! It's critical right now that you tell your elected officials that you support Napster.

On April 3, 2001, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold an important Congressional hearing in Washington, D.C. on the future of Napster and other digital media companies. This hearing will be open to the public. We'll let you know more about the hearing as details become available.

Thanks again from all of us at Napster.

Are you interested in becoming an activist for Napster? If so, join the Napster Action Network (NAN):

http://newsletter.napster.com/nan

Copyright 2001 Napster, Inc.

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