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RealNetworks Invests in Legitimizing Free Music
Rollie Hawk writes "Want some free music? Silly question, I know. But how about legally? That's exactly what RealNetworks is offering.
You may remember RealNetworks from about ten years ago when it was one of the leaders in audio streaming technology. After a decade of steaming becoming more widespread in both audience and medium, RealNetworks' RealPlayer has become an embarrassment to even try installing.
This, however, didn't stop them from jumping into the post-Napster song-swapping vacuum with their Rhapsody program. I can't comment on how good Rhapsody is since I've never met anyone who used it. That probably says enough right there.
In an attempt to rev-up their subscription-based music service, they are now resorting to giving away 25 songs each month. According to RealNetworks chairman and chief executive Rob Glaser, "by having a free service that is legal, it flattens the issue of 'Why use an illegal service?'"
Perhaps that logic would hold more weight if the universe of music contained only 25 songs."
I imagine a decade of steaming (sic) would takes its toll on anybody
Perhaps that logic would hold more weight if the universe of music contained only 25 songs.
Well, it _does_. At least the universe of music worth listening to.
See my blog for my free opinions.
The summary is just trying to live up to the /. motto. Here's a rule of thumb:
<news>*</news> = News for nerds
<flamebait>*</flamebait> = Stuff that matters
Yes but the rest of us dumb people like to be told what to think. Slashdot told me that Real and Microsoft are bad. And Apple good sometimes. I think this week, I'm supposed to hate Apple, or hate Jobs. Next week when Tiger comes out I hope Slashdot tells me to love Apple again.
Ahh, but you see, to edit a story submission would involve, well, editing, which is something the editors won't stoop to do. I mean, journalism is all about running submissions verbatim, isn't it?
I am no longer wasting my time with slashdot