Somehow I get the feeling that we're just seeing the tip of the iceberg of malicious DRM software preloaded on your favorite audio CDs. Now, EMI is claiming that Apple is working with them to support their DRM through iTunes. And, of course, Apple denies it. So basically, we're all just trudging down the road to a Baskin Robbins of incompatible DRM flavors.
Next thing you know, Starbucks' Hear Music label will require you to reload a Starbucks GIft Card online before you can copy one of their CDs to your iPod. You would like a latté with your Herbie Hancock, right?
Record labels are alienating their customers, and putting crap on our computers. Do they really think it'll curb piracy? Or will they lose more legitimate paying customers because we don't want to put up with the intrusion?
Rob Hulson says
You know, if people stop buying these CDs, the record companies will just continue blaming it on cracking software and not their own stupidity. We're all still thieves not disgruntled customers who are fed up with the lies of the recording industry.
Mike M. says
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"Do they really think it'll curb piracy? Or will they lose more legitimate paying customers because we don't want to put up with the intrusion?"
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That's actually a really difficult choice for some people. I personally still like to buy CDs. Sure I've illegally downloaded some songs here and there, especially in my broke college student days, but lately I prefer to pay for my music. But this new DRM crap presents a dilemma for people like me. Do I keep buying CDs and risk getting my computer worked over by spyware and hackers? Or do I illegally download my music from P2Ps in order to avoid possible infection?
It seems that the line between the legality of piracy and the legality of spyware and privacy intrusion is getting a bit slimmer these days...
Jared Christensen says
I recently bought a CD with Sony's other DRM software, MediaMax. I can't do anything with that CD besides play it in a conventional CD player (which I'm sure is exactly how Sony wants it). So I downloaded a pirated copy of the album so I could get mp3s onto my iPod.
I imagine that I could return the CD if I wanted. Lucky for Sony, I'm honest despite their assumption that I am a thief.