Banned users who sign on to their Napster accounts receive a message saying they are being denied access to the file-sharing program because they have been accused of illegally swapping files. According to a release posted on the Napster website, users who claim to have been unfairly targeted can file a "counter-notice," which essentially challenges the validity of their dismissal from the system.

According to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Metallica then has 10 working days to take legal action against the user. If no action is taken, the user's access to the Napster application will be reinstated.

While some of Napster's own members are disenchanted with the service and its ban, parody websites are cutting Napster some slack.

One parody site allows users to watch the three Metallica band members get blown away by the Napster 9.0 cyborg.

Tom Fulp, the creator of the newgrounds parody website, doesn't care much about Napster or Metallica. He's just sick of all the fighting.

"I don't even use Napster," Fulp said. "But one thing I know is that Metallica has to realize that it can't really stop the progress out there. People like Chuck D who are embracing the Internet and finding ways to make money are really the people who are interesting. But really, whatever."

Rapstation.com founder and Public Enemy frontman Chuck D is co-sponsoring a lyrics competition with Napster.

Several other sites have sprung up in support of Napster, including Metallicster, a Napster clone that is being specifically designed to trade Metallica's video and music files.