Because the recent Napster verdict likely will set a legal precedent for future court cases involving other downloading services, Sawyer believes more developers and consumers of audio will turn their attention to Internet radio, which stands on much better legal footing and provides a clearer path to profitability. Both authors were sure to draw a key distinction between downloadable audio, streaming clips and components of a true broadcast, such as bumpers, DJs, station promos and organized set lists. The authors hope the book will help people join the thousands of individual streamers on the Internet who present music through streaming audio instead of in downloadable music-sharing communities. With Internet radio, you're designing a playlist or broadcasting an interview while developing a listener community and on-air identity. You are presenting your music in a very public manner.
Broadcasting is an experience that is more truly a shared experience.
Despite his enthusiasm for Internet radio, Sawyer still finds Napster valuable for encouraging a digital music revolution. Until the Internet came along, the idea of having your own radio station was a pipedream for most people. Today it's as easy as reading about 50 pages from a book and downloading a few megabytes worth of software.