Myth vs. Reality in Pop Music Culture

In order to be successful in today’s pop music industry, artists often follow the advice that “image is everything.” But too often, say some music industry critics, the appearance of successful, wealthy stars is only that: an image. The reality, they claim, is that recording artists are sometimes grossly underpaid for their work as “stars”, while recording companies reap millions.

First, choose a popular recording artist or band of today.
Breaking Benjamin

Give a brief description of the artist’s “image” in the space below
The band has an image that is an amalgam of hard rock meets gothic.

Second, consider the arguments you have read and heard about regarding the closing of web-based music sharing services like Napster. Summarize both sides of the argument here, giving special emphasis to those you find the most compelling.
I feel that is was necessary to close down Napster. With a site like that up and running, there was no way for artists to get money for their music sales. I feel that if artists work hard to produce good music, then people should buy it if they wish to listen to it. Otherwise all it really is is stealing. It could be argued that sites like Napster and Kazaa gets the music around and helps promote the band, but with free promotion on sites such as Myspace and Facebook today, bands are able to allow fans to enjoy some free music and making them want to buy the CD at the same time.