AnywhereCD has apparently already complied with some aspects of Warner's initial termination notice by removing the option for customers to download only DRM-free mp3 files (the other remaining option allows customers to buy a physical copy and have available for download DRM-free mp3 quality tracks from their purchased album). Billboard reports that the mp3 only option was cheaper to buy as well, which may have fueled Warner's initial complaints.
Both reports about the situation make it seem that all AnywhereCD is doing is ripping tracks from CDs and selling the CD alongside the mp3 tracks. I could go on and lament about the downfall of another company trying to sell DRM-free material, but something about this seems off.
EMI Group plc (LON: EMI) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) came together almost a month ago to make a DRM-free situation manageable. This time around it seems like a major label is being bullied into dropping DRM, which only seems to damage the progress related to DRM and the future of the technology. Forcing the elimination of DRM might be a nice move, but if the labels are going to be expected to do anything about the situation we should allow them to do that on their own (despite how long it may take). I realize I speak for the labels at the moment, but the industry is hurting as it is.
The online service intends to "settle the matter quickly, and move forward with their stated business of selling ... mp3 albums," at least according to the report. Meanwhile, Warner closed at 16.35 yesterday, which was a much lower amount than when the situation with AnywhereCD began on April 12.
The online service intends to "settle the matter quickly, and move forward with their stated business of selling ... mp3 albums," at least according to the report. Meanwhile, Warner closed at 16.35 yesterday, which was a much lower amount than when the situation with AnywhereCD began on April 12.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-24-2007 @ 6:43PM
Chris OHara said...
As a consumer, I've slogged through a real nightmare with DRM. In December of last year my music service updated their software and suddenly NOTHING would play. Only recently does the DRM work well enough to be called "transparent". Having "no license" errors block albums that I HAD PURCHASED from this very music service really ruined my opinion of the entire scheme.
The future of music is a service industry. Quite soon, ALL music will play on ANYTHING, and with wi-fi it will play EVERYWHERE. The old business model--treating music as a product--is dying, and as a musician and a fan I say thank God. DRM cannot die soon enough.
4-24-2007 @ 6:53PM
Richard Driver said...
If all of the digital download providers (like iTunes) turn into subscription-based services then and only then will that aspect of the music industry become a service model. At the same time, the physical aspects of the market (CDs, etc.) will still exist and keep the business model alive, even if that life continues to slowly drain away in the face of the digital markets.
The music industry will remain a business model for the time being, eventually transitioning into a dual model of business and service. I can't say when the industry will become a fully service model industry, if it ever does. I highly doubt the labels would allow that to occur though.