Recently, heavy metal icons Metallica, rap kingpin Dr. Dre and the Recording Industry Association of America filed lawsuits against Napster, alleging copyright violations pertaining to the site’s MP3 software program.

MP3s are music files that can be downloaded over the Internet from other people’s hard drives. This gives users access to virtually any song title imaginable.

Self-proclaimed anti-establishment rockers, Metallica, are leading the charge by blocking access to over 300,000 Napster users. They are suing Napster with the intent to run it out of business. Users blocked from the site can log back on if they file a protest to Metallica’s block by signing a form stating they face litigation from Metallica if they sign on to the site.

For years, consumers have been the victims of price-gouging by the recording industry. When CDs came out, they ranged from $20-$25. We were always promised that prices would decrease as the popularity of the technology increased.

Today, CDs can still cost $18. Consumers have had enough.

The industry and some highly successful artists are doing everything in their power to run Napster out of business.

An industry that has overcharged its customers for years deserves no sympathy. There has never been a significant drop in CD prices. Can anyone justify spending $15 and up for “Reload” or “S & M?” Metallica and others are not as strapped for cash as they’d like you to believe. Metallica will rake in millions of dollars this summer from their “Summer Sanitarium Tour” ticket and merchandise sales.

Metallica seems to also overlook the opportunities the MP3 revolution has brought to others. Napster and similar sites provide an opportunity for up and coming bands to get their music out to a worldwide audience that would otherwise be unable to hear their work.

MP3s have given the little guy a chance to receive a record deal and music-lovers a chance to save a buck or two.

These sites give listeners a chance to hear something besides the radio-friendly and MTV-worthy. Not everyone is a rock or country fan. How many Iowa radio stations accommodate electronica or folk fans?

Metallica and others should be compensated for their hard work. That goes without saying, but an industry that has used and abused its customer base for years is finally receiving a wake up call.

When all is said and done, the listening public would still shell out $10 just to get a bands cover art and lyrics.

The Napster issue should encourage the music industry to make amends with its customers. Lower those outrageous CD costs and give consumers what they want.

Iowa State Daily Editorial Board: Kate Kompas, Greg Jerrett, Heidi Jolivette, Justin Kendall and Tara Payne.