CDDB was an enabler for Napster.

· Bits and Bobs 9/29/25
  • CDDB was an enabler for Napster.
    • The key insight was realizing that each CD's track lengths could be used as a fingerprint.
    • One person can transcribe the track list for one fingerprint and create value for everyone.
    • There's no reason to cheat and it's easy to verify.
    • An architecture of participation.