Apple is currently looking into providing access to its entire iTunes library to customers with the purchase of an iPod or iPhone. They are currently thinking about charging either $100 at the time of purchase for unlimited access for the usage of the devise, or a monthly fee of approximately $7. This would be the customer’s choice, between the two. At this point, Apple has only offered $20 per device to its music industry partners.
I cannot predict how this venture will affect the music industry. On one hand, it seems to be remarkably low, in comparison to the 99 cents per song currently in effect, but it also seems like it could draw in more customers, and keep music downloading legal.
As I high school student, I am all to aware of the commonality of illegal music downloading, and if iPod customers were required to enlist in one of these two services, teens would be kept much more honest. I also imagine that even more customers would be attracted to iPods over other mp3 devises, as Apple offers this unique feature.
It seems to me that this idea is stemmed primarily, if not solely, on the prevalence of illegal downloading. I think that is interesting how an illegal activity, such as this, is able to so heavily shape the marketplace.
hmm that's interesting...I would like that probably cuz I'm always using itunes to get new songs for my ipod..but it could hurt the industry cuz it'll get abused...people will find a way...I just don't really know how I feel about it
I like the idea of a one time fee option, but I don't like the idea of making it mandatory. What about customers who have all the music they want, but are just simply upgrading equipment?
cheers
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technical possibilities might be a better phrase than illegal activities to describe what is shaping the market place. Obsolescence is the force destroying the market for CDs. History is full of profitable technologies that went broke in the face of the next big thing. iTunes will be gone one day as well.
Truth is a demure lady, much too ladylike to knock you on your head and drag you to her cave. She is there, but people must want her, and seek her out.
William F. Buckley, Jr.
I meant specifically illegal downloading, as many people forgo paying for music at all, CD's or otherwise, in favor of free music from the internet.
There already is a program where you can get music downloaded free, and legally. I can't remember the name of it off the top of my head, though.
~C
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The illegal act is one that is currently illegal because it was recently inpractical, and impossible before that. Perhaps it will not even be illegal soon. Laws that are violated by millions of people are generally unjust.
These same companies fighting 'piracy' now RIAA MPAA and their members also tried to make VCRs and Music casset recorders illegal. Not long after they lost those fights they developed new business models to make money from those 'illegal' technologies. The same will happen here.
Think about the trends. Phones have begun to double as MP3 players. File sharing software is already out that runs on a smartphone. They will inevitably lose if they try to stop technology. They need to make it easier and better to pay for the digital content than it is to get it for free. The proposed iTunes subscription model, and even the current iTunes/iPod combo follow that philosophy. It is already more user freindly to use than the P2P+cheaper MP3 players it competes with, this is another step in the right direction if it happens.
I call it the right direction not from a legal perspective, but a survival one. If the music label wish to survive they have to adapt to changing times.
Truth is a demure lady, much too ladylike to knock you on your head and drag you to her cave. She is there, but people must want her, and seek her out.
William F. Buckley, Jr.