Music makers.

First there was Napster, originally a so-called peer-to-peer file-sharing service that allowed free music downloads--bypassing the record labels. Napster went legit in becoming a paid service and moved to L.A., competing with Apple's iTunes. Now comes Yahoo music downloads, offering new features and lower prices. So the Business Journal asks:

Do you download music?

Mitch Rabin VP of Sales and Marketing Opus 1 Music Library

As a company we might download if trying to find a certain track, like if we have a client that is looking for a specific sound. It's a research tool for us that's absolutely much faster than going to a music store. As for myself, absolutely. It's incredible. I like iTunes the best. I think they have a great interlace and delivery system. Plus, I think the iPod is really cool.

Beth Ann Young Partner Levene Neale Bender Rankin & Brill LLP 

No I don't. When I'm in my car I'm either talking on the phone or listening to Disney tunes that my daughter selected. I rely on my computer so much for work that for music I would just go to the store. It seems easier, although I've never tried downloading. I would just go to the section and pick up the CD.

Andrew Leeson Marketing Director Rossetti Architects

Yes I do. I used Napster but when they took that offline Kazaa became my thing. I have all kinds of MP3s. There's the whole debate that downloading hurts the artist. That's not the case for me. If I'm interested in an artist I'll buy their CD. Downloading is a way to preview artists I wouldn't usually hear. I'm probably buying more because then if I like them I'll buy their album.

Rachel Worby Music Director Pasadena Pops Orchestra 

As of now I don't download music. That's because it's only available on MP3 and they are too sonically inferior for my ears. They have a very, very narrow spectrum. I understand that Microsoft, among others, is developing a system that will present a more enhanced sound. At that point I'd probably reconsider, but I'll always pay for it.

Julie McReynolds Graduating Student University of Southern California 

No I do not. I copy the CDs from other people. Sometimes I buy CDs and other people copy them. I have friends who have tastes similar to mine so they let me know about artists who are interesting and if I find someone somehow I let them know. It's a nice economical and reciprocal relationship.

Kurt Knutsson Technology Reporter KTLA (Channel 5)

Yes I do. I use iTunes and Napster sometimes. The main reason I download is it's easier in the car and when I travel. I fly frequently and now I can bring my world of music with me. It makes me feel at home. I have had problems with iTunes where I was downloading a song and it stopped but they charged my credit card. I e-mailed them. It seemed like it was going of to Never Never Land but a few weeks later my account was credited. If Yahoo, or Napster, is successful with this buffet-style music then Apple is going to have some tough competition.