I can't see any current technology becoming a verb. Some observers are far more bullish on these developing technologies than others. All of these factors have slowed growth, but the potential of the medium is too great to languish forever. Still, the undeniable fact that streaming audio is so transient could prove to be a fatal turn-off for consumers if the technology isn't promoted within its limitations. But when the hue and cry has diminished, the owners of music copyrights will be the ones that can make the online-music movement boom or bust.
Consumers love music, particularly the Net community.
They will come around to the idea of using these sites. Of course, the possibility exists that a nation of freeloading Napster junkies will turn out to be a dry vein when it comes time to establish online music as a legitimate industry. No cash in means no business. And no one wants to pay for something they can get for free. Dan Heilman is senior managing editor of ComputerUser.