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Napster Canada Launched

Posted by timothy on from the bare-naked-ladies-avenged dept.

PunchMonkey writes "Just days after the Napster UK launch, Napster Canada is now online. Tracks start at CDN$1.19 and albums at CDN$9.95. Interactive streaming is also available for the first time in Canada for CDN$9.95 a month. Napster is the the third online music service to be launched in Canada (following PureTracks and ArchambaultZik), not including the branded Puretracks sites Sympatico Music Store and PureTracks from Telus." (Be prepared for a trio of rejection notices if you're neither running nor spoofing IE under Windows.)

147 of 206 comments (clear)

  1. CDN$1.19? by smonner · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Why would you start a new music service with higher prices than the existing competition? A lot of PureTracks' songs (though admittedly not all) are CDN$0.99. They must really be relying on name-brand recognition, though I doubt they are going to get much beyond "but, but, songs were free on Napster!" Still, nice to see competition, even if only of the inept kind. Now if they would just let me have my songs on both my home and work computers at the same time...

    1. Re:CDN$1.19? by wo1verin3 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      a) Take a look at the selection of tracks available, Napster clearly beats them

      b) The unlimited download subscription is $9.95cdn (compared to $9.95USD for USA) which is kinda cool for canucks.

    2. Re:CDN$1.19? by Danger+Will+42 · · Score: 1

      Same reason they restrict folks from the States from purchasing (much less viewing) the Telus site. That way when they charge $1.19 USD we aren't as likely to notice.

    3. Re:CDN$1.19? by smonner · · Score: 1

      > a) Take a look at the selection of tracks available, Napster clearly beats them

      Wouldn't that just mean that I would ONLY shop at Napster when PureTracks didn't have what I wanted? Still doesn't seem like a great strategy for Napster.

      Your point about the download subscription being so cheap is well taken. Do you think its enough to make this venture work for them in Canada, though? Do they get a lot of subscriptions?

    4. Re:CDN$1.19? by wo1verin3 · · Score: 1

      Because I like my job and spend much of my day attached to a desk. My employer (as all of them) does not allow P2P applications to be installed at work, nor would any person of a sane mind expect them to. The 9.95usd gets me a huge collection of songs to listen to, and I can go grab more anytime I want.

      Could I do this at home and bring them on CD? Sure, but I enjoy the convienience factor.

    5. Re:CDN$1.19? by Bricklets · · Score: 2, Insightful

      What I have a hard time understanding is why the inconsistency in pricing. The Internet is worldwide. It's not any harder or doesn't take any longer if I access Napster from the US or the UK. There are no physical mediums to transport, no physical distances that stand between you and your music. I would think in theory Napster shouldn't price the music any differently for each country. Yeah, yeah, I know that there are different royalities to be paid in each country, etc, etc, etc, but I think this just highlights how out of date the worldwide music industry is.

      --
      Little Bricklets
    6. Re:CDN$1.19? by Turtlewind · · Score: 1

      You say that this "highlights how out of date the worldwide music industry is", but the problem is that there is no worldwide music industry. Different companies own the rights in different countries, so Napster, iTunes et al have to negotiate with the owners of the music in each company seperately. You can't pay the RIAA for European distribution rights, because they don't have them.

      The end effect of this is that the record companies in (say) the UK will want Napster to charge close to the existing UK prices for music. And because UK music prices are about 50% higher than in the US, that's what Napster have to charge. They don't have much choice on the issue; >80% of their revenue goes direct to the record companies.

      --
      --This is a self-referential sig--
    7. Re:CDN$1.19? by Bricklets · · Score: 1

      My point exactly. The fluctuation in prices is due to payment of distribution rights and, I would think, mostly due to the existance of physical barriers and distances separating each country/market. These physical barriers do not exist within the Internet.

      And when the US iTunes store has albums available from, for example, Robbie Williams (an European artist for those who don't know), does Apple have a pay again to distribute that album in their Europe iTunes store? I don't know the answer, but it wouldn't surprise me if the answer was yes.

      Worldwide, the music industry's pricing models are out of date in a time when everyone is connected to the Internet. And if they are unwilling to offer their music globally at a single flat rate, I know of at least one other service that does...Gnutella clients. The sad reality is that, illegitimate or not, piracy has become their main competitor. They need to start competing and stop oligopolizing, or there will be a lot of hurting going around.

      --
      Little Bricklets
  2. uh oh, it's the plastics! by B3ryllium · · Score: 4, Funny

    Napster used to be so cool, but now it hangs out with the plastics and makes fun of regular people.

    What happened, Napster, what happened?

    1. Re:uh oh, it's the plastics! by p00p+at+instable.net · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Ehh. It's not the same Napster... they are just saying Napster for name recognition. All publicity is good publicity :)

    2. Re:uh oh, it's the plastics! by Mr.+Neutron · · Score: 1

      You know, everyone says Napster is just a less-hot version of iTunes.

      --
      dinner: it's what's for beer
    3. Re:uh oh, it's the plastics! by wo1verin3 · · Score: 1

      I wish that was the case and I could go with iTunes, but it's not. iTunes didn't support my cd burner and doesn't offer the subscription offer. So until iTunes shapes up, Napster will get my money.

    4. Re:uh oh, it's the plastics! by Epistax · · Score: 1

      ...it used to be about the music!

      (Favorite line ever. Unfortunately it actually applies to this particular situation so it's not funny, moreover, it's confusing. Mod +1 good intentions)

    5. Re:uh oh, it's the plastics! by wo1verin3 · · Score: 1

      I enjoy the subscription option, I've downloaded about 2000. The rent is cheaper then buying for me.

      Napster ALSO offers the very same buy option for me if I want to own it.

  3. Cheap! by darth_MALL · · Score: 5, Informative

    $1.19 Can works out to 0.86 USD. Cheaper than the US non-subscriber version. Still not cheap enuff if you ask me.

    1. Re:Cheap! by MKalus · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Yeah well,

      too bad though that I don't get paid in USD but in Canadian Dollars.

      99cents Canadian are exactly that to me: 99 cents.

      Or do you think you should pay $1.39 because it's still cheaper than the 99pence the guy in the UK would be paying?

      --
      If you want to e-mail me, use my PGP Key.
    2. Re:Cheap! by Trillan · · Score: 1

      CD prices are much cheaper here in Canada, so it's not surprising that online services are charging less.

    3. Re:Cheap! by dodzi · · Score: 1

      Yeah right - both of you beat th UK's rip off price - and it wont work on my ipod. I thin I'll stick to fileshare!!

    4. Re:Cheap! by MKalus · · Score: 1

      Considering that they usually go with 100 Yen increments I'd say it would probably be 99 Yen.

      --
      If you want to e-mail me, use my PGP Key.
  4. Why pay? by hunterx11 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Now IANAL and IANAC, but I thought that music downloading (though not sharing) was legal in Canada.

    --
    English is easier said than done.
    1. Re:Why pay? by pdaoust007 · · Score: 1

      Maybe for the convenience of not having to go through 10 files to get one that works, that has proper tags in place, that have recording volumes that are the same from song to song, for the consistent ripping quality etc.

      Of course napster.ca offers all of these for a price but their files won't play on my iPOD so I am stuck waiting for iTunes Canada if that ever happens...

    2. Re:Why pay? by i_should_be_working · · Score: 2, Insightful

      maybe alot of Canadians, ones who don't spend time on slashdot, think it's just as illegal here as in the states.

      i remember some puretracks adds where their pitch was that we should buy from them instead of 'illegally' downloading so that we don't get sued.

  5. $9.95? Used CDs still cheaper by CaptainPinko · · Score: 3, Insightful

    And I can get a physical copy with pretty linear notes to go with it.

    --
    Your CPU is not doing anything else, at least do something.
    1. Re:$9.95? Used CDs still cheaper by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Fsck that.

      I want extremely exponential notes.

    2. Re:$9.95? Used CDs still cheaper by sysopd · · Score: 1
      Thats only USD $7.30.

      And I can get a physical copy with pretty linear notes to go with it.

      Thats the main reason I buy albums. First off the sound quality is higher, and second you have a physical copy with lyrics, pictures, etc. After I know I like the music (from downloading it) then I purchase it.

    3. Re:$9.95? Used CDs still cheaper by CaptainPinko · · Score: 3, Interesting

      I've boughten majour label CDs such as Pearl Jam's vs. for as little as $5 CDN. Considering that at most places you can brin in CDs you don't want anymore for credit it becomes even cheaper. You'll bump into interesting people into music too and you can pick-up real bargains, indie-label, and out of print albums. I don't know how else you'd get a copy of Soundgarden's "Screaming Life/Fopp" EP

      For anyone in the London, ON region may I recommend you check out Dr. Disc or City Lights-- which is also a great used bookstore with a cool vibe.

      --
      Your CPU is not doing anything else, at least do something.
    4. Re:$9.95? Used CDs still cheaper by sysopd · · Score: 2, Informative
      Right, used is definitely the way to go. Lots of used stores around here are much more than $5 CDN and more like $12 USD which is total crap. Many stores sell the both new and used and only offer a slight discount for used cds. However there are a few good places where you can get cds for under $5 USD used that have good selection.

      BTW, I'd suggest gemm for that soundgarden ep screaming life/fopp. You can find most anything you're looking for there, not always the lowest prices, but many used vendors and a great resource for hard to find material. Oh also, an interesting note, I buy a lot of my import music from canada although I live in the US (seems to be cheaper!).

    5. Re:$9.95? Used CDs still cheaper by Patik · · Score: 1
      I don't know how else you'd get a copy of Soundgarden's "Screaming Life/Fopp" EP
      I found a vinyl copy for ~$5 many years back at a tiny used CD store. Found a lot of interesting vinyl there, actually. I recommend used CD stores as well.
  6. I got an idea by Stevyn · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm going to start my own music service selling songs downloaded off napster. I'll switch back and forth buying them from the US and Canada depending on the exchange rates. Here's how it will go:

    1. Buy songs from canada or us
    2. Sell to american's or canadians for a penny less
    3. Profit!

    1. Re:I got an idea by mikael · · Score: 1

      I had this idea of using spare bands in the electromagnetic spectrum to broadcast new tunes and videos, thus allowing people to record them onto magnetic tape, but it seems the broadcasting companies got there first.

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
    2. Re:I got an idea by l0ss · · Score: 2, Informative

      Retailers are licensed regionally, as is the media they sell. Although I like the idea of mp3 speculation there are some serious leagl problems (not to mention DRM problems) with it.

  7. Canadian RIAA... by mythosaz · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, at least they only sue you for about $.72 on the dollar...

  8. GAH...where is my Canadian iTunes by truffle · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Come on iTunes get it in gear! I'm still waiting for mac iTunes.

    The leader in online music sales can't seem to sell internationally.

    --

    ---
    I support spreading santorum
    1. Re:GAH...where is my Canadian iTunes by wo1verin3 · · Score: 1

      So honest question. Other then the fact you like Apple, why iTunes? If you have an iPod, then I understand. If not, why? Not trolling, but really just curious.

    2. Re:GAH...where is my Canadian iTunes by Unknown+Relic · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Personally I use iTunes as my default music player, and since it isn't able to play Windows Media files (much less DRMed ones) that immediately rules out any services using that format. The apple DRM is also much less restrictive and is relatively easy to bypass by re-encoding songs to mp3, which in my mind makes it the lesser of evils, and most importantly, makes it less of a hassle. As a Canadian I've been waiting for the iTunes store to be available for quite some time, and can only hope that Napster's launch is a sign that Apple may not be far behind.

    3. Re:GAH...where is my Canadian iTunes by The+Lynxpro · · Score: 2, Interesting

      "So honest question. Other then the fact you like Apple, why iTunes? If you have an iPod, then I understand. If not, why? Not trolling, but really just curious."

      Uhm, perhaps its a philosophical choice not to support a Microsoft based platform (AAC from Dolby/Apple vs. WMA by Microsoft). Perhaps its an audio quality choice (to me, WMA sounds *tinny*). Perhaps its because of exclusive content on iTunes. Perhaps its because iTunes doesn't want to charge a subscription fee. Perhaps its because of the simplicity of the iTunes interface. Perhaps its because Apple is rather committed to keeping the prices reasonable. Perhaps the parent likes Apple and wants to support Apple. Perhaps the parent doesn't like Napster's name being used in conjunction with supporting the RIAA. Perhaps the parent doesn't like Roxio. Or, like you speculated, perhaps the parent owns an iPod like 55% of the other people buying portable MP3 players... :)

      --
      "Right now, somewhere in this world, Scott Baio is plowing a woman he doesn't love," - Peter Griffin, *Family Guy*
  9. why do it? by millahtime · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Who would someone pay to "rent" a song. If you cancel the service you loose the song. Unless they got a better license than any of the other services (besides iTMS)

    --
    Evolution or ID?
    1. Re:why do it? by Kenja · · Score: 1

      Why would someone pay to "rent" a movie?
      Why would someone pay to "rent" a car?
      Why would someone pay to "rent" a house?
      Why would someone pay to "rent" beer (I'm pretty sure some of the bars I've been to recollect it once I'm done)?

      --

      "Have you ever thought about just turning off the TV, sitting down with your kids, and hitting them?"
    2. Re:why do it? by dabraun · · Score: 1

      Parent is factually incorrect.

      Lisences for purchased music in other online stores (including Napster) are not lost if you discontinue service.

    3. Re:why do it? by pavon · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I would have no problem with renting music (aka paying for ad-free radio), if the price was right.

      The problem I have with Napster is that they are not up-front with you about the fact that you are only renting music, not buying it, and they are charging you the same price as if you were buying it, which is absolutely asinine.

      It is as though their business model depends on tricking people into thinking that they are buying music, as noone that I have talked to was even aware that they would not be buying music, and none of them decided to use the service after I informed told them that fact.

      So the better question is why rent music in crappy DRM'd form when you can buy it in a more open format for the same price?

    4. Re:why do it? by BarryNorton · · Score: 1

      I think you should learn what Napster are offering (as well as outright purchase) before you try to correct the guy...

    5. Re:why do it? by BarryNorton · · Score: 1

      You seem to be confusing the two models they're offering...

  10. Online music prices sometimes can be higher by prostoalex · · Score: 2, Interesting

    USA Today recently had this article on how some albums were cheaper to buy brand new in offline stores than online.

    Basically, any track is sold as 99c (US). Any album on Napster is sold for $10. But then if the album is incomplete, what's being sold is a collection of songs, not album. So if the original CD has 21 songs and costs $13 in the store, but only 20 songs were licensed for online resale to Napster/iTunes, then the product will be a 20-song collection, and cost $19.80 respectively.

    1. Re:Online music prices sometimes can be higher by The+Lynxpro · · Score: 2, Interesting

      "USA Today recently had this article on how some albums were cheaper to buy brand new in offline stores than online."

      That's nice, but if there is copy protection on those audio cds, "fair use" does not cover you from the anti-hacking provisions of the DMCA. Thus even if you are not distributing MP3s or whatever you rip them into, they are illegal whereas buying the digital copies - from say, iTunes - is legal. I guess it all depends on what you want to do with the music you purchase. I personally would like to see a Joe Consumer sue the music labels for fraud since the CD patent holder Philips stated that encrypted audio CDs are not actually compact discs and thus the record companies representing them as such are committing fraud.

      --
      "Right now, somewhere in this world, Scott Baio is plowing a woman he doesn't love," - Peter Griffin, *Family Guy*
    2. Re:Online music prices sometimes can be higher by The+Lynxpro · · Score: 1

      "Dear Retard: Canada doesn't have the DCMA. Sincerely,Seth Finklestein"

      Dear leprotard, its the DMCA, not DCMA...

      --
      "Right now, somewhere in this world, Scott Baio is plowing a woman he doesn't love," - Peter Griffin, *Family Guy*
    3. Re:Online music prices sometimes can be higher by The+Lynxpro · · Score: 1

      "Dear lintard,Canada doesn't have the "DMCA" nor the DCMA"

      Dear imbletard,

      The posting I was responding to concerned an article from USA Today and it had nothing to do with Canada. So before you pipe in your $0.02 Canadian, try reading the posts first. And how about getting a Slashdot account instead of using an anonymous coward login? Thanks.

      --
      "Right now, somewhere in this world, Scott Baio is plowing a woman he doesn't love," - Peter Griffin, *Family Guy*
  11. All the Rush You can Buy! by beatleadam · · Score: 2, Funny

    Does this mean that the only available download artists are Bryan Adams, Alanis Morrisette and Barenaked Ladies while the "Classic Rock" section is filled with Rush and Gordon Lightfoot?

    --
    I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. -- Hunter S. Thompson
    1. Re:All the Rush You can Buy! by twnth · · Score: 1

      So long as we have Stompin' Tom Connors, we'll be happy.

    2. Re:All the Rush You can Buy! by birder · · Score: 1

      I want my Chilliwack!

  12. wait. canada?! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    interesting that an online music pay service would decide to launch (and obviously spend a lot of resources on this launch, especially when it's so soon after the previously noted UK launch) in of all places, canada. why is this interesting? well, because in canada, file sharing (uploading, i believe) is legal. this means that people are really open about using p2p networks, and they're really popular. what makes napster think that with their drm scheme they can be more popular than the already (legal) free standard up there in canada? i'll be curious as to how the canadian people react to this, and the whole "wait-we're-getting-it-for-free-legally-already-an d-you-want-me-to-pay-for-it-though?" thing...

    1. Re:wait. canada?! by Julien+Brub · · Score: 1

      Well, I live in Canada (Québec), and it is not *really* legal.

      It's just that the do not enforce the law, just like you won't get sued for stealing for eating a raisin in a grocery.

      We have, at least in Québec, publicity in the papers, on TV, in the metro, etc... that try to make us feel sorry about sharing music, financed by l'ADISQ. The have some stats about file sharing (in french).

      Right now, since the idea of suing people who share music is not popular, I doubt that we will see any action taken until the federal election on june 28th.

      Another interesting thing, Apple started to make TV commercials of "iPod + iTunes". But we still have no iTunes... my iPod is angry/hungry!

      --
      "I can not bring myself to believe that if knowledge presents danger, the solution is ignorance." Isaac Asimov
    2. Re:wait. canada?! by joeljkp · · Score: 1

      It seems that reasonable people disagree on this point (see post above yours). Care to provide a reference?

      --
      WeRelate.org - wiki-based genealogy
  13. puretracks by Coneasfast · · Score: 1

    i was searching through puretracks, and i found the urban (rnb/rap) collection was quite limited, hopefully napster will fill this void

    (and please don't start with the 'rap sucks blah blah blah' arguments)

    --
    Marge, get me your address book, 4 beers, and my conversation hat.
    1. Re:puretracks by Patrik_AKA_RedX · · Score: 1
      (and please don't start with the 'rap sucks blah blah blah' arguments)
      Why? Who doesn't like hearing some guys complaining about their life and bragging about how "bad" they are? Oke, you can all lower your hands again. It was a rethorical question.
    2. Re:puretracks by CyberKnet · · Score: 1, Informative


      At least 75% of the noise pollution that I encounter emanating from inside of vehicles is noise of the so-called "urban" variety. I would like to say a higher percentage, but I couldn't swear it was just because of the noise level... To clarify, I consider anything loud to be noise pollution, not just musica that are not to my taste.

      Driving behind someone (urgh, even past!) who has something playing at 160db is about the only thing that makes me wish we had pain stimulators in the fashion of the Bond world domination game on steering wheels. To deliver the 'what the HELL were you thinking?!?!'

      Although I guess all that would change for urban listeners would be the addition of the 'Rap SUCKS!!!!' zap. Who knows how much voltage you'd need though, given the pain that much db must be inflicting on their deafened eardrums.

      Even techno/dance crap doesn't sound as bad at those high db as 'urban' "music".
      </OFFTOPIC>

      BTW, in case you hadn't heard... rap sucks.
      Yep. This part is on topic.

      --
      Video meliora proboque deteriora sequor - Ovidius
    3. Re:puretracks by elasticwings · · Score: 1

      You know, if only people would put forth some of the money they spend on amps and subs into paddening their car with dampening material, there wouldn't be so many complaints about cars with systems. I like listening to my music loud, but I quite understand that the people around me may not want to hear Slayer's Reign in Blood on the way to work. So, when I do my next sound system upgrade, I plan on adding in some sound dampening material to keep the radio in and road noise out. I don't hear outside junk cutting into my music, and people outside do not have to hear my trunk rattling. As long as I make sure to pay extra attention to the road for ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, it's a win-win situation.

    4. Re:puretracks by joeljkp · · Score: 1

      It sounds like you have beef with the people who play said rap music, not the music itself. I bet if you listened (or danced!) to some of it at a reasonable volume around other consenting individuals, you would find it much more suitable.

      --
      WeRelate.org - wiki-based genealogy
  14. Cheaper! by dj245 · · Score: 3, Informative

    It is interesting to note that the Canadians have it cheaper than the US. According to this currency converter, 1.19 CAD is .87 USD and 9.99 CAD is 7.23 USD. Perhaps a lack of litigation is to blame?

    --
    Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress at this period in history.
    1. Re:Cheaper! by MKalus · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Perhaps the fact that *I* get paid in CAN$ and thus pay a higher price?

      I don't make more in CAN$ than you do in USD, so no, it is NOT better for me, I am getting jacked on this (if I would buy anything from there, they don't let me as I don't run Windoze).

      --
      If you want to e-mail me, use my PGP Key.
    2. Re:Cheaper! by wo1verin3 · · Score: 1

      Canada has lower standard of living

      Hi. Anonymous Coward, meet reality. Reality? Meet Anonymous Coward.

    3. Re:Cheaper! by The+Lynxpro · · Score: 2, Interesting

      "Canada has lower standard of living as well as lower average income..."

      But a *free* health care system (of various quality), supposedly a better education system than the U.S., cleaner streets, etc. But then again, since we're [USA] next door, they don't have to spend as much money per capita towards their defense.

      --
      "Right now, somewhere in this world, Scott Baio is plowing a woman he doesn't love," - Peter Griffin, *Family Guy*
  15. quick survey by MasTRE · · Score: 2

    How many ppl here use US Napster?

    --
    Must-not-watch TV!
  16. Rejected by loomis · · Score: 3, Insightful

    As the poster mentions, non-ie browsers get rejected by the Telus service.

    "Thank you for visiting Puretracks from TELUS" Currently our website supports Internet Explorer 5.0 and above on the Windows operating system (Win 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP / 2003), and is available to Canadian residents only."

    "We value our Mac audience, however the Windows Media player for the Mac platform is not currently compatible with Microsoft protected audio content."

    No mention of other OS users. It still really bothers me that companies are too stupid to write websites that are standards-compliant and work on all platforms.

    --
    "The television is the retina of the mind's eye" - Videodrome
    1. Re:Rejected by finkployd · · Score: 2, Informative

      it isn't the website, it is the wma9 drm format. It only plays on windows media player 9 on windows.

      Finkployd

  17. Finally! I can legally download ... by burgburgburg · · Score: 4, Funny

    Anne Murray
    Gordon Lightfoot
    Rush
    ...
    Celine Dion
    ....
    ......
    Why do I need this again?

    1. Re:Finally! I can legally download ... by Dr+Caleb · · Score: 4, Funny
      Why do I need this again?

      Give them a ten and you can get a Nickleback.

      Thanks folks, I'll be here all week.

      --
      "History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." Mark Twain
  18. Downloading seems legal; uploading might not be by Saucepan · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Downloading is apparently legal in Canada, but uploading might not be.

    Canadians are currently permitted to borrow a friend's CD and make copies for personal, non-commercial use. However they are not allowed to make a copy for someone else. It is widely believed that this allows downloading but not uploading.

    The CRIA has launched John Doe lawsuits against uploaders but recently suffered a legal setback when a judge ruled that they had failed to provide sufficient evidence of a copyright violation to subpoena the identities of some anonymous uploaders. However, members of the federal government have promised new legislation to close what they call "legal loopholes". That may just have been election year pandering. We'll have to wait and see.

    In any case there are many Canadians who would willingly pay a reasonable amount per song to purchase music via download in order to get known quality, selection, and lack of liability. I would be one of them except that I refuse to pay money for DRM-encumbered files -- if I pay to buy something, I expect to own it.

    1. Re:Downloading seems legal; uploading might not be by Chess_the_cat · · Score: 4, Informative

      Uploading was ruled legal in a later decision. The judge equated it to putting a photocopier in a library. Just because you put the material in your shared folder doesn't mean you are actively distributing it.

      --
      Support the First Amendment. Read at -1
    2. Re:Downloading seems legal; uploading might not be by madprogrammer · · Score: 2, Informative

      But you're not buying it. You're paying for the right to have a copy of it to listen to - and not make copies of it.

      Read here

      and here

      Don't get me wrong... I think some major reforms are needed in the music industry. I'd rather pay my money directly to the band if I have to pay for the music I listen to.

    3. Re:Downloading seems legal; uploading might not be by petabyte · · Score: 1

      I think he was refering to the difference between a DRMed file that is a expiring waste of space and owning a CD. With a CD I have fair use rights (until the industry comes to take those away which I'm sure they're working on) to take the content of the cd I bought and transfer it into oggs that rest on my hard drive. DRMed files for most music services are "sublicensed" which is a nice way for the stores and industry to not afford the consumer fair use rights.

      As for me I'm going to continue to by CDs for 2 bucks off half.com. Sure I don't get the latest music but I think its worth it to have an unencumbered copy.

    4. Re:Downloading seems legal; uploading might not be by jeefy · · Score: 1

      can drm do anything about digital > analog > digital copying? i realize it's a pain in the ass, but it seems like there are options.

    5. Re:Downloading seems legal; uploading might not be by joeljkp · · Score: 1

      You're buying the media and that copy of the recording, minus the rights enumerated in copyright law, namely distribution, performance, etc.

      --
      WeRelate.org - wiki-based genealogy
  19. Odd by localhost00 · · Score: 2, Funny
    I am running the real Internet Explorer under XP, yet I still get rejected.

    Something tells me they want JS and Cookies enabled?

    --

    Calling atheism and agnosticism a religion is like calling bald a hair color.

  20. My version of the kick message by danigiri · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I'm sorry, my wallet is not currently compatible with your store.

    Napster is currently compatible with MS's flag OS's.
    Other OS's are not supported at this time and never will.

    If you are planning on getting me to spend my money on this store, the service will not be compatible and you should discontinue trying to do any business with me. If you will support *my* computer and *my* operating system, please continue.

    Ah, and MS will eat you for lunch, good luck.

    1. Re:My version of the kick message by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Oh, shut up already. Other people have said this already. You think they don't know they won't get business from people who are unable to make a transaction with them? Hello? Are you stupid? Or just another karma whore?

  21. Yet another iTunes plug by tokachu(k) · · Score: 5, Informative

    0.99 USD = $1.37 CDN

    ...so technically Napster Canada is cheaper than iTunes. But this is assuming you only listen to music on your computer. They charge extra to transfer the song, unlike iTunes, where it's the same price whether you burn it to a CD, transfer it to your iPod, or whatever.

    Napster and the others need to deal with the fact that they've been beaten by Apple.

    1. Re:Yet another iTunes plug by AKnightCowboy · · Score: 1
      ...so technically Napster Canada is cheaper than iTunes.

      Does Canada even have access to the iTunes music store? I thought it was US only.

    2. Re:Yet another iTunes plug by papa248 · · Score: 1

      So many people are missing the point. It is *not* cheaper, because Canadians get paid $LESS than Americans do, dollar for dollar. Myself and a coworker at a sister facility in Canada are the same salary grade. He makes $2000 CAN more than I do - I make $52000 USD, he make $54000 CAN but I still make more than him, all things being equal because his costs are higher. No difference.

      --


      The higher, the fewer.
    3. Re:Yet another iTunes plug by Deliveranc3 · · Score: 1

      Well since pirating music is legal in Canada it's really not that much better of a deal.

  22. Russian Napster... by Canabinol · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Forget Napster, iTunes, et al.

    The Russian equivalent to iTunes - allofmp3.com - is the way forward for all your music needs!!

    You pay 1 cent a megabyte so $10 gets you a gigabyte of mp3 download - and you can pay using Paypal in case you're worried about your Credit Card getting stolen by a shady Russkie...

    Cheap, cheerful and legal (at least in the eyes of Russian law) and they have a great selection (better than iTunes as it includes European chart music also).

    1. Re:Russian Napster... by rduke15 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      allofmp3.com would be almost perfect: non-protected mp3, at the bitrate of your choice, for an unbeatable price.

      The only problem is that it doesn't look like being very "legal", despite whate the site pretends.

      In fact, my problem is not whether it is technically legal or not. It is that the money certainly doesn't go to the artists. So it's just the same as non-legal.

      What we want is high-quality non-DRM files, and knowing that the artists get their share from what we pay of it. But the companies don't seem to understand that, so it will continue to be P2P, allofmp3.com, et al.

    2. Re:Russian Napster... by Teh_monkeyCode · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'm more scared of Paypal ripping me off

      --
      -------
      Chunky Bacon
    3. Re:Russian Napster... by Txiasaeia · · Score: 1
      "In fact, my problem is not whether it is technically legal or not. It is that the money certainly doesn't go to the artists. So it's just the same as non-legal."

      No no no, you're getting this all wrong. If you get SUED, you can point to www.allofmp3.com and say, "See? Legal! Fsck off!" They tell you it's not legal, and you get all wide-eyed and say, "Holy shit, are you serious! My goodness, now what the hell am I supposed to do?"

      The RIAA lawyers look uncomfortably around at your frank admission of guilt, and you say with a slight tinge of regret, "Look, I screwed up, I'm really sorry. Can I make it up to you guys? I can testify against these guys! Just let me go home, shove all the MP3s and paperwork onto a CD, and I'll be right back!" The RIAA lawyers agree, you go home and pack your stuff, hop a flight to Moscow.

      See? Now you're in Russia, allofmp3.com is legal, and you're not getting sued! It makes PERFECT sense to me. What's the problem here?

      --
      Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
    4. Re:Russian Napster... by rduke15 · · Score: 1

      [legal ... not legal ...] The RIAA lawyers

      Good point, I guess.

      But for me, I have the luck of not living in America. Among other advantages, I can afford to not give a damn about your RIAA. :-)

    5. Re:Russian Napster... by jimmy+page · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Forget what the (Allofmp3.com) says. There are other sites claiming it is legal. And they give a much better description of why.

      [Museekster] http://www.museekster.com/allofmp3faq.htm#Is%20All ofmp3%20legal?

      I do have to agreee with you regarding the rate of payment though - it seems awfully low in USD. Maybe it's OK when converted to Rubles?

  23. Music buying by t_allardyce · · Score: 1

    I know most people like the feel of something physical (heh) that they can collect and look at aswell as listen too and thats why they buy cds or records. Other people might not care about that and just want the music, but what would make these people pay for it other than guilt or genuinely wanting to support the musician? anyone here use these services? my personal way of thinking is: if i respect the musician then ill buy the cd if its cheap, or get a copy off someone. If i think the musician is a worthless tart-bitch-whore who sounds so generic it could be anyone and is singing something so utterly pointless that it could be a hum and the melody is either copied, adapted or sampled directly.. then i just say fuck it, this is something im just going to listen to this week because its slightly catchy and its playing everywhere, fire-up p2p click click click.

    --
    This comment does not represent the views or opinions of the user.
    1. Re:Music buying by tepples · · Score: 1

      I know most people like the feel of something physical (heh) that they can collect

      1. Buy songs in WMA format from Napster.
      2. Burn them to CD-R along with your backed-up WMA license, or burn them to CD in Red Book format.
      3. PHYSICAL MUSIC!
    2. Re:Music buying by t_allardyce · · Score: 1

      Yeh cos WMA CD-Rs are so fucking beautiful and collectable! oh and it brings me joy to be able to use one of my itunes backup-credits to burn a CD! oh thank you itunes thats so kind of you to allow me to do that (5 times) with something i owen.

      --
      This comment does not represent the views or opinions of the user.
  24. I will purchase music online: by big_groo · · Score: 2, Insightful
    IF (and only if)
    1. No restrictions on what I do with it.(any player)
    2. I can use the OS of my choice (Slackware)
    3. The price more accurately reflects the production/distribution costs.
    4. There has to be something worth purchasing.

    In other words...never.

    1. Re:I will purchase music online: by smcavoy · · Score: 1

      I would suggest bleep.com. It meets all you're requirements (assuming # 4 includes what is available).

    2. Re:I will purchase music online: by nwbvt · · Score: 2, Insightful
      "1. No restrictions on what I do with it.(any player)"

      I think people should be more flexible on this. All you really want to do is listen to the music, right? So is it really so wrong to accept some limitations that do not effect that in exchange for the advantages of online music?

      "3. The price more accurately reflects the production/distribution costs."

      Thats a bit difficult to calculate, considering intellectual property requires a near zero marginal cost and a (relatively) large capital investment. So for a large record label selling millions of Brittney Spears (or whatever pop group is popular) songs, that cost would be low. For a small label with less popular (though not necessarily lower quality groups) artists, they would have to charge a lot more just to break even. That seems a bit backwards to me, and may make it difficult for smaller labels to compete.

      I agree on the other points though.

      --
      Mathematics is made of 50 percent formulas, 50 percent proofs, and 50 percent imagination.
    3. Re:I will purchase music online: by soop · · Score: 1

      Didn't you have the same requirements for purchasing your wife online?

  25. Browser detection? by AdrianFletcher666 · · Score: 4, Funny
    Apparently I am running Windows XP on a mac... I had no idea.
    Thank you for visiting Sympaticomusicstore.puretracks.com

    Currently our website supports Internet Explorer 5.0 and above on the
    Windows operating system (Win 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP / 2003),
    and is available to Canadian residents only.

    We value our Mac audience, however the Windows Media player for the Mac
    platform is not currently compatible with Microsoft protected audio content.
    Puretracks is currently working to make our service available to Mac users.
    --
    Adrian
    1. Re:Browser detection? by KenBot_314 · · Score: 2, Informative

      If you are not in Canada, maybe they are using a method of checking IPs... That could explain it, since the quote from their site clearly says that only Canadian residents are allowed...

      Either that, or yet another wacky side effect of the /. affect!

    2. Re:Browser detection? by Bri3D · · Score: 1

      Hello? If you bothered to look there is a version of Windous Media Player 9 for Mac OS X(a bit of a misnomer). It just doesn't play DRMed files.

  26. Hey wtf, the Dayglo Abortions in a Napster Ad? by smcavoy · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I really wasn't expecting hear that tune whilst watching the flash animation.
    I would've thought they would've been more picky about who uses their songs (i.e. a company that is in bed with all the big evil record companies).

  27. Why such huge price differences? by mrdaveb · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Napster price comparison:
    (at current exchange rate)

    Napster Canada: $1.19 Canadian = $0.87 US
    Napster USA: $0.99 US
    Napster UK: 0.99 GBP = $1.80 US

    Why do us Brits get such a raw deal? I guess music prices have always been this unfair. I was going to say that hopefully when some more services launch, competition will bring the price down, but this is the RIAA we are talking about...

    I think I'll be sticking to independant labels and 2nd hand LPs :-)

    --
    Homme petit d'homme petit, s'attend, n'avale
    1. Re:Why such huge price differences? by kfg · · Score: 1

      Why do us Brits get such a raw deal?

      Herman's Hermits.

      KFG

    2. Re:Why such huge price differences? by Teh_monkeyCode · · Score: 1

      The recording industry of that country sets the price, basically, so I suggest writing them and complaining about the price.

      --
      -------
      Chunky Bacon
  28. PureTracks & Non MSIEWin by infowantsto · · Score: 2, Interesting
    (Be prepared for a trio of rejection notices if you're neither running nor spoofing IE under Windows.)

    Funny thing about that; I fired up Safari under OS X, set the user agent to IE6Win, and then went in to the site. I think the reason they reject other browsers is that I was somehow able to bypass bits of their DRM and listen to their tracks. However, I quickly realised there was no content I was actually interested in that they were selling, so I haven't been back since. They may have since corrected that DRM mistake, but I won't be going back until they officially support OS X.

  29. Report on changes to the Canadian Copyright Act by emaveneau · · Score: 3, Informative

    Recently (May 12) the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage issued a report on proposed changes to the Copyright Act, whose relevant recommendation is as follows:

    RECOMMENDATION 3

    The Committee recommends that the Copyright Act be amended to provide that Internet service providers (ISPs) can be subject to liability for copyrighted material on their facilities. The Committee notes, however, that ISPs should be exempt from liability if they act as true "intermediaries," without actual or constructive knowledge of the transmitted content, and where they meet certain prescribed conditions. ISPs should be required to comply with a "notice and takedown" scheme that is compliant with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with additional prescribed procedures to address other infringements.

    If you overlook the last vague line, the proposed changes to Copyright Act seem harmless to those who do not download, but those who do, may become customers of Napster et al.

    The Act would force ISPs to cut off access for uploaders after they have been identified by the CIRA. But the report does not specifically address the disclosure of customers' information (to the CIRA), nor does it address the download v.s. upload meme.

    The vagueness of the report is replicated by media reports which further mention WIPO treaties, P2P and anti-circumvention devices, all of which are not specifically addressed in the report.

    The EFC has not, AFAIK, commented on the report and the Toronto member of Parliament who chaired the committee, hasn't yet responded to my inquiries (will P2P or anti-circumvention be left legal?).

    1. Re:Report on changes to the Canadian Copyright Act by Jardine · · Score: 1

      I remember this being brought up about 6 months ago (I think it was just a statement by someone in the gov't rather than a recommendation at that point).

      Oh, and you're probably talking about the CRIA (Canadian Recording Industry Association) rather than the CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority).

  30. Once bitten... by AsmordeanX · · Score: 1

    I got burned by a music download service once and until they offer DRM free options I will NEVER buy. In the middle of a download I tripped on the power cord to my cable modem. The store claimed I had purchased even though I had half a file. I phoned and was told that I was screwed. If I goto a store and the power fails in the middle of ringing the goods in neither the store or I lose money / product once power is restored. If that happens online - foosh away goes your money. If your HDD crashes or you have a bad run of CDs trying to burn - foosh away goes your money.

    They are basically offering less service and less product for more money. Why do people even bother buying? Goto a used store and buy what you want and compress it.

    1. Re:Once bitten... by Brain+Stew · · Score: 1

      This my main problem with iTunes.

      When the whole Pepsi cap thing was going on, Sasser, Gaobot, and some remnants of blaster were going through the poorly developed network in my dorm.

      Needless to say, the amount of virus traffic broadcast brought the backbone connection to its knees and the few times that I was able to go iTunes it would only be for a short period of time and if a download was cut off, well, too bad. iTMS let me see that I purchased the music, but won't let me re-download them!

      Still, compared to Napster, iTMS is a dream.

      --
      "Here's a spoiler: You're will die alone."-Triumph the Insult Comic Dog
  31. [Grammar-Nazi] "Lose", not "Loose". by JessLeah · · Score: 1

    The word is "lose", not "loose". You "lose" the song. You do not "loose" the song.

    --
    Honey, I shrunk the Cygwin
  32. Re:Obligatory question by mrdaveb · · Score: 3, Funny

    Obligatory joke question maybe?

    All the downloads are DRMed WMA files. You can play them in Winamp in a playlist along with your Ogg files if you want to. That's about as far as Ogg 'support' goes. To convert the WMA files to Ogg, you would have to circumvent the DRM. Most likely by burning a CD then ripping it and encoding to Ogg. The sound quality would suffer.

    --
    Homme petit d'homme petit, s'attend, n'avale
  33. upload/download is legal by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    Uploading and downloading of mp3's via p2p is legal in canada, see:

    http://www.canadiancontent.net/commtr/itemid172. ht ml

    Why pay for something when it's already free? They aren't going to sell ice to this Inuit.

  34. Re:no need for ie by Socket+Scientist · · Score: 2, Interesting
    At least unlike Apple they're trying to make a successful *music* business, as opposed to hardware business.

    I'd say Apple's *music* business is a darn sight more successful than Napster's, even ignoring iPod profits.

  35. Won't work... by WebCowboy · · Score: 1

    ...becaus your plan would be illegal part of the time. As far as I know there are not really restrictions on importing music and other content from Canada into the US, but Canada has restrictions on importing foreign content into Canada.

    You could only get around that by buying enough Canadian-produced music in the 'states to sell back to Canadians.

    And you wondered why it's so damn hard to find HBO on TV in Canada and you poor Americans are infliced with so much Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Jim Carrey etc etc ad nauseum....

  36. Re:Obligatory question by gordgekko · · Score: 1

    I think the fact that it was a joke was implied. Lighten up people.

    --
    You want to know who isn't running Firefox 2.x? They spell it "definately" and "rediculous".
  37. Jukebox vs. Light by tepples · · Score: 1

    Roxio Napster has two services: Napster Jukebox, which allows streaming music on demand for a monthly fee, and Napster Light, largely a clone of Apple Computer's iTunes Music Store except for s/m4p/wma/g.

  38. Re:Song of the piracy apologist by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I will dispute you on this one point: There are only five "o"s in "I'm coooool with it."

  39. Allofmp3.com Still Cheaper, Better by Fearan · · Score: 3, Informative

    At about $0.05 ($0.01/mb) per 192Kbps (OGG,MP3,WMA) or less for 128Kbps encodes per song, Allofmp3.com is still better than any of the pay-to-download music services. And also, no OS restrictions or browser restrictions, although the auto-downloader program is only available to Win32 systems. I still love being to download the songs on my Linux box and pay by Paypal. http://www.allofmp3.com Seriously, give it a try. I find it's better than using KaZaA or any other P2P system even though I have to pay a few cents per song.

  40. Amen by Captain+Pedantic · · Score: 1

    Amen

    --

    None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
  41. i've pimped it before... by wtfover · · Score: 1

    ... and i'll pimp it again.

    allofmp3.com

    Legal? Maybe, but most likely not. I don't care; i'll still buy the actual CD if it's a CD worth having. but here you get the music in the format you want, at the compression you want, and DRM free. No browser issues, either (as far as i can tell, i've only tried IE6 and FireFox). None of the risks of downloading what may or may not be what you want off the file-sharing services. And all for a penny a MB.

  42. Puretracks Adverts by Txiasaeia · · Score: 1
    It's worth mentioning the content of this commerical.

    A kid is sitting at his computer, ostensibly downloading music, when a hazmat team shows up in full radiation gear, picks him up with some sort of metal implement (salad tongs?) and puts him in their big ol' van. Voiceover says something like: "When you download music, you're also downloading spyware, viruses and pornography. Want to download music legally? Head to www.puretracks.com."

    FUD, plain and simple. I only got porn and *two* viruses when I downloaded my last batch of MP3s!

    --
    Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
  43. What I plan to tell those I support... by danharan · · Score: 2, Informative
    The "legal" download services require you to use an unsafe browser, and you don't even own the songs in a format you can use anywhere.

    Until the companies offer a good deal for consumers, it's tempting to use free services like Kazaa. However these services have a lot of problems: they install "spyware" and often crash computers. If you download such programs, you are asking for trouble.

    There is however one legal way of getting music: copy your friends CDs. I have a whole bunch of them you can borrow so you can make copies for personal use.


    If this is useful for you, feel free to use it. If enough of us geeks send this type of message to those we support, the corporate pachiderms might eventually get it. And if one day one of those companies lets us download mp3s with a standards-compliant browser, we should recommend everyone use that service. Until then, I'm not buying Cds.
    --
    Information: "I want to be anthropomorphized"
  44. Re:Hey wtf, the Dayglo Abortions in a Napster Ad? by NLG · · Score: 1
    Unfortunately the Big Evil Record Companies(TM) have an assortment of Big Evil Tactics(TM) to use on their targets.

    Record Exec 1: Hi, there, you guys wanna' be in our commercials and online marketing promotions?
    Band: F*%@-off you evil filth! We are totally anti-big corporation.
    Exec 1: Well, we will just see about that. (motions to hired goons, goons grab the band members and hold them down) The case, Bill.
    Exec 2: Yeah, here.(opens briefcase and holds for exec 1)
    Band: F*%@ you, pig! Torture us if you want, we will never give in to the establishment!
    Exec 1: (Takes stacks of ca$h from briefcase and begins pelting the band with them) Ha! It's only a matter of time til you break!
    Exec 2: Think of what you could do with all this money. Buy cool cars and clothes! you could even move out of your parent's basements!
    Exec 1: (Still raining down the Benjamins) Give yourself to the dark side...there is no escape!
    Band: Okay, oh, God, just stop it. We'll do it.

    Obviously, this sort of treatment is in violation of the Geneva convention.

    --
    Flash is the Herpes of the Internet.
    your.opinion > /dev/null
  45. The Tragically Hip by CaptainPinko · · Score: 1

    No discussion of Canadian music is complete without them. If you've never seen them live then you are missing out. Though I hear they are not a big out west.

    --
    Your CPU is not doing anything else, at least do something.
    1. Re:The Tragically Hip by goates · · Score: 1

      Everybody I know out here knows who they are. I think all of their concerts here (Alberta) get sold out too.

    2. Re:The Tragically Hip by rikkards · · Score: 1

      I would say they aren't as big out east either. Their name power isn't as big as it was when Fully Completely came out. Around then they seemed to have been the Canadian band. Now not so much

  46. Buying from NapUSA in Canada or vice versa by Txiasaeia · · Score: 1

    Maybe I'm out to lunch here, but has anybody thought of trying to buy tracks from Canada in the USA with an anonymous proxy that resides in the US? Get CAD tracks for less than the US counterparts...

    --
    Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
  47. Insulting to Canadians flash animation... by Nuke101 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Did anybody else watch their little flash movie about canada... http://napster.ca/flash.html I'm seriously pissed off, beavers biting people, hick looking guys drinking beer in almost every scene, leaf fan with stanley cup rioting, pick up truck skidding around (as if drunk, shows people drinking beer before and after) etc.. I am seriously appalled at this blatant stereo typical - hell I dont even think these are stereotypes, its just extremely messed up and I'm VERY insulted over this... meh, no way in hell they'll ever get my business...

    1. Re:Insulting to Canadians flash animation... by Blimbo · · Score: 1

      Yes, i was quite insulted also, no self respecting Canuck is going to tow less then a 12 pack while out Tubing...showing a 6 pack !! sheesh i drink that for breakfast before i hit the shower.

  48. Shoulda used another dayglo song by chargen · · Score: 1

    "Stupid Songs"

    When I sing songs I sing about what I know
    But I don't know too much so I don't sing about nothing
    I get my words from reading TV Guide
    I steal all my solos from the Rolling Stones

    I like stupid songs

    I get my insight from watching Spiderman
    I learned a lot from Peter Parker about dealing with the world
    I pull my wire to the 20 Minute Workout
    I sure wish the guys in the band looked like that

    I like stupid songs

  49. Please mod parent down: incorrect by Rumor · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'm sorry, Chess, but you're referring to the same case as Saucepan, and the judge did not rule that uploading is legal. He expressed that it was similar to placing a photocopying machine in a library, yes, in an allusion to a recent Supreme Court of Canada case (CCH vs. Law Society of Upper Canada) but this opinion was purely obiter dicta, meaning that it does not have binding force. This case was tossed by the judge on evidentiary merits, or the lack thereof, so no new legal precedent has been set.

    At present, the law still suggests that uploading is a violation of copyright with no exemption under the Private Copying provision.

  50. One kid? by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    The other day I was in Radio Shack, and this ten year old was buying a prepaid Napster card for himself! I did ask him "do you lik ethe service" and he said "yeah" - but I didn't get up the nerve to ask him why he used Napster over other services as I hate to belittle ten-year-olds for lapses in judgement.

    So, they have at least one user who spent $20 there.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  51. Mod -1 False by brunes69 · · Score: 2, Informative
    From Puretracks.com....

    Beside each song listing there are a few small icons. These icons indicate how you can use the song file once it is downloaded.

    To get more information on usage restrictions for each track, click on the associated icon. A window will appear with information on exactly how you are permitted to use the file once it is downloaded.

    Listen:

    You can listen to your music downloads as many times as you like from the computer that holds the purchased license.

    Burn:

    You can burn your music downloads to CD 3 times.

    Burn:

    You can burn your music downloads an unlimited number of times.

    Transfer:

    You can transfer your music downloads an unlimited number of times to 3 separate portable devices

    ---

    So... it would seem you're totally wrong. Sure, not all files can be burt, but a) Those files are clearly labeled on the site before you pay, b) It does not cost money to burn such files ( WMP does not even support this, have no clue where you came up with this nonsense ), and c) You can't "uprgade" a non-burn allowed file by paying extra money.

  52. Not drunk... by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    In all fairness, I do believe he's doing donuts in a parking lot, not nessicarily drunk... more pure redneck than anything.

    But that's not much help, it's a pretty insulting intro!

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  53. CDN = CAD by hampton · · Score: 2, Informative

    There's no such currency as "CDN". The Canadian Dollar is "CAD".

  54. Land of freedom and choice? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1
    Great, I have a choice between WMA, WMA or WMA. Oh joy and I have to be running windows to use the service. I don't even have an X86 PC. Back to P2p?

    What is the hold up with iTMS? Is the industry in Canada deliberately favoring WMA based services and locking out iTMS? It would seem so.

    --
    Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
  55. Mod parent up by brunes69 · · Score: 1

    The guy is not drunk, he is a loser doing parking lot doughnuts in the winter, but still...

    That intro is seriously whack.

    If you're an American and thinking "what's the big deal", imagine a similar intro on napster.com where they had a bunch of drunk KKK members dancing around a fire, a bald eagle attacking school children, and a prostitute using the American Flag as toilet paper, all while palying a song "I am proud to be an American", and you'd see where we're coming from...

  56. Ummm... by Bricklets · · Score: 2, Interesting

    This is the second time I've seen this in two days. Google for "Song of the piracy apologist" on slashdot and you'll be amazed. Moderators: please mod this back down.

    --
    Little Bricklets
  57. In Canada, allofmp3.com is the logical solution by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    OK, so it's been decided in a Canadian court that downloading is legal but uploading is not. Why would anyone use an overpriced service such as Napster Canada when allofmp3.com out of Russia will provide same tracks (with significantly more format options) for roughly 1/30th of the cost?

    There is of course the issue of copyright and the status of tracks purchased from Russia but these have not been the basis of a legal case as of yet nor are they likely to be until they represent a sufficiently large bleeding wound in the side of the RIAA and their Canadian counterparts.

    I personally spend about 30 bucks a month on allofmp3.com and consider my music downloading level to be approaching saturation (i.e. I download more tracks than I can listen to). Why don't the major labels realize that getting 30 bucks out of me a month for music is an incredible feat. I will not buy 2 CD's a month, I will not pay $.99 for an MP3, but I will pay 30 dollars in a month to have complete control over the music I listen to. By pricing tracks in this fashion, the industry drives users to piracy.

    Besides, it's really nice to be able to download Metallica and Beatles tracks...

  58. Open music by Dwonis · · Score: 3, Informative
    (Be prepared for a trio of rejection notices if you're neither running nor spoofing IE under Windows.)

    Yet another reason why Magnatune might be worth looking at again. Magnatune has greatly increased its selection since it started up (e.g. it actually has some music I like now), so if you haven't taken a look in the last few months, you might want to look at it again.

  59. obligatory eMusic plug by Groucho · · Score: 3, Informative

    eMusic gives you tracks for 22 cents each - Lame VBR encoded MP3s - and of course there's no copy protection. And they have great independent labels like Matador, Kill Rock Stars, 5 Rue Christine, Thrill Jockey, Mille Plateaux, Schematic, etc. plus a shitload of jazz and classical. I have the 90 songs a month for 20 bucks deal - you can buy more if your downloads run out before the month is up.

    I refuse to buy into this dollar a song for inferior closed formats with DRM deal. eMusic may not be perfect but it's the closest thing going.

    eMusic

    1. Re:obligatory eMusic plug by elasticwings · · Score: 1

      Kill Rock Stars Rulez!!! Sleater Kinney kicks ass. I've seen them in concert twice. I also have albums from Gravy Train, Bikini Kill, Yeah Yeah Yeahs EP Master, Julie Ruin, Stereo Total and more.

  60. Re:Silly Canucks only 5 years behind the curve... by The+Lynxpro · · Score: 1

    "5 years late, way to go America Jr.!!!"

    America, Jr. That's pretty funny. Although Australia is probably closer to that definition considering most of their public wants to move towards a Republic as their government form.

    Then again, Canada is a federated crowned republic. You say tomato, I say tomato, and Dan Quayle spells it "tomatoe."

    --
    "Right now, somewhere in this world, Scott Baio is plowing a woman he doesn't love," - Peter Griffin, *Family Guy*
  61. Rip off by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    1.19 canadian = 0.46 GBP...why then is a track on Naptser UK almost 3 times the price? Would you people pay 2.95 canadian dollars per track?! Napster is turning out to be the biggest ripoff on the net.

  62. The battle's over by jkabbe · · Score: 1

    Canadian Animation

    Wow!
    How can iTunes ever hope to compete with the likes of that?

  63. Who cares by future+assassin · · Score: 2, Interesting

    >albums at CDN$9.95 I get full album cd's at local pawn shops for $2.50-4 CDN.

    --
    by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
  64. Who's getting the better deal? by IncohereD · · Score: 1

    Except he doesn't have to pay for the majority of his health-care. And he doesn't have the DMCA. And smoking pot isn't a felony. Nor does he have Bush/Ashcroft/Rumsfeld, and NONE of his $54 000 CDN is going to support the War in Iraq.

  65. ...twice allofmp3.com by tepples · · Score: 1

    until they offer DRM free options I will NEVER buy.

    You can buy files in MP3, Ogg Vorbis, or select other formats from this site run from Russia. The downloads are licensed through a music rights organization and contain no digital restrictions management encoding.

    No, I don't work for
    allofmp3.com - where music downloads YOU!

  66. IANAL but I AM CANADIAN by pastafazou · · Score: 1

    and downloading is "legal" here because the Canadian equivalent of the RIAA convinced the (useless corrupt trough-feeding) government to put taxes on blank CDR's, DVDR's, and mini hard drives such as those used in the iPod, etc. These taxes are supposedly used to compensate the artists who are ripped off by us pirating their music. So, because they're being compensated for the piracy through the tax system, the piracy is now "legal". The more people dependent on the government tit, the more people that will vote for the party that supplied that tit. That's why Canadian Parliament is dominated by tits!

  67. In related news by certsoft · · Score: 1

    Thursday night on PBS's Frontline: "The Way the Music Died. How the recording industry is threatened by Internet piracy and corporate greed".

  68. Re:Song of the piracy apologist by ilikejam · · Score: 1

    The artists signed the contracts. If they didn't like the terms, then they shouldn't have signed.
    In return for not recieving that much money, they get their records distributed for them, and don't have to do any donkey work getting their music into shops and advertised. In short they get the fame, and the men in grey suits get the fortune.
    If the artists are getting such a raw deal, then perhaps someone could put up the money and time to distribute / advertise / PR / organise tours for the artists and not accept any renumeration. That way you could give them money they are due. No takers? Interesting.
    Besides, I'm sure the artists would rather have the 20-50 cents than nothing. Wouldn't you?

    --
    C-x C-s C-x k
  69. Burn limits by tepples · · Score: 1

    oh thank you itunes thats so kind of you to allow me to do that (5 times) with something i owen.

    You may burn an entire playlist only n times in a row. You can put individual purchased tracks on other playlists and burn them, even if you have burned a particular playlist to the max.