Neil McCormick

In the following selection, Neil McCormick explains how the development of MP3 technology-which converts music into a digital file that can be downloaded onto hard drives-has led to significant changes in the music industry. The popularity of MP3s has resulted in debates on the issues of intellectual property and the role of record companies. According to McCormick, MP3s could lead to the demise of albums and shift the role of record companies from production to marketing. McCormick is a music columnist for The Daily Telegraph, a London newspaper.

MY FRIEND THOMAS STUBBS LIVES IN THE FUture. He describes himself as a technologist: someone whose job entails advising businesses about the possible commercial and social impact of new technological advances.

Taking Advantage of New Technologies

Thom's computer is the nerve centre of his...