**
**If unanswered by the 15th of May 
**then please do not answer afterwards.
**Thanks.
**

For a grant application I need to outline the effects of the MP3
format. The grant is to fund a project related to MP3?s and music on
the net. I need to be able to academically justify my position that
the MP3 format is significant.

Don?t worry about the argument, I just need information on the MP3
format, research that I don't have the time to do myself.


The information I need is:

1) History of music in the MP3 format, say from Motion Picture Experts
Group introduction of layer 3 compression, through Napster, into legal
troubles, bound to peer-to-peer/iTunes, then up to current day.

2) Any material (qualitative analysis, quantities research,
authoritative opinion) on the implications of the MP3 format and the
music industry (now and the future).


Other steering guidelines that may make it easier for you.

- I'm being very specific about the question so you're not confused,
not because I'm difficult to please.

- Focus on MP3?s availability for download from the web to PC, as
opposed to as a format for removable media (ie CDs, DVD or MP3
players).

- Don't 'MP3 for dummies' it for me, academic sources are good. 

- This is not a technology report on MP3 compression technology. It is
more on analysing MP3?s impacts on society, mass culture, economic
politics etc.

- Give me more, rather than less, of everything you find (within your
judgement or relevance). Small snippets of info can be useful to prove
and make an argument.

Finally, thanks for your effort!