Congratulations to last week's winners: Lorraine Anderson, Eric Baker, Kathy Beattie, Gail Grant, and Robert Szemeredi. Please note: Even if you've won a mug, we welcome your votes and comments.

Responses to last week's question: The majority of those who "weighed in" this week were not in agreement with a federal court ruling ordering Napster to stop allowing users to download copyright music from its web site for free. Ten disagreed with the court and had plenty to say, 6 agreed with little comment, and 4 were unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.

On the yes side:

"Making music and selling CDs, tapes, etc., is how the musicians make their living. Lets not take away from them by letting it be down loaded for free."

On the no side:

"What is the difference between what Napster is doing and what radio is doing? Both offer music for free, and radio stations even give CD's away as promotions."

"Napster only allows one song at a time to be downloaded, not entire albums. The artists are getting good exposure through this venue, and the lost revenue is most likely minimal compared to the interest it generates in their work, which would, it would seem, lead to more folks purchasing more albums once they heard their music."

"As I understand it, copyrighted material can be legally duplicated for personal, not-for-profit use, as long as it doesn't devalue the copyrighted material in the market. Since CD prices haven't changed since the advent of Napster, I fail to see where the copyright infringement has taken place. "

Unsure:

"There must be a way to balance access with artists' rights, but I don't know what it is!"
 

Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no," or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m.

Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students. Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. One mug per person.

This week's question: Should credit card companies be allowed to solicit students on campus?

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