Whose side is Michael Robertson actually on? You'd think that the man in charge of MP3.com would support digital music technology advances, but earlier this week Robertson surprised everyone by joining forces with the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America in asking U.S. District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel for a preliminary injunction to stop Napster's file sharing services.

MP3.com's recent settlements with Warner Music Group and BMG Entertainment are steps in showing the music world that MP3 technology is a tool that can greatly help artist promotion. Now that MP3.com is "legalizing" itself and playing by the rules, it looks like Mr. Robertson is making sure that everyone else has to do the same. "In the operation of our Website, we do not authorize unlawful or pirated MP3 files," states Robertson.

This backing of the RIAA on MP3.com's part may have had a direct result on Napster's representation at the MP3 Summit 2000. Liz Brooks of Napster did participate on the "Break on Through to the Other Side: Transitioning from the Traditional Music Industry into the Online Space" panel, but other Napster employees were sparse. With Napster Inc. getting so much media attention, you'd think they would really want to capitalize on it by making new connections with people and companies at the Summit.

A ruling on the injunction is expected in July 26th, 2000. If it is indeed granted, the actual task of shutting down Napster is another obstacle for Napster's foes. Since the traded files aren't stored in one specific place, like FTP servers, the MP3 files will still be on users' hard drives.

On a similar note, StopNapster.com (which is run by a rock band based out of Oakland, California) has recently named Michael Robertson "Executive of the Year." The site is even going as far as sending the MP3.com CEO a plaque honoring his work in defending intellectual property and intellectual freedom. (Runner up for the title goes to Bob Kohn, CEO of EMusic.com, for supporting a preliminary injunction against Napster's operations.)