Teens Don't Buy Legit MP3s Because They Can't?

iSeal writes "According to a recent study, 13-17 year olds are both the most likely to pirate music, and also the most likely to own a portable MP3 player. Yet, as this article goes on to say, the lack of credit card ownership prevents teens from buying music online. The author maintains that since regular record shops don't sell MP3s, or gift cards to places that do sell MP3s, its practically impossible for teens to buy legit MP3s on their own. From the article: 'If the only way to obtain music online continues to be through illegitimate means, then we are no better off than in the days of Napster.'" I'm not sure I agree with some of the conclusions here (you can buy iTunes cards at Walgreens), but it's an interesting discussion.

Comments

well then

[macadamia_harold]

Yet, as this article goes on to say, the lack of credit card ownership prevents teens from buying music online.

Clearly, the only solution is for the RIAA to start providing teenagers with credit cards. That can't possibly go wrong.

Re:well then

[Anonymous Coward]

I guess that explains why sodomizing sheep is so popular in Montana.

Re:Debit Cards

[jjeffrey]

Oops sorry slip of the tongue - I do know the difference between the US and Canada - apart from anything else the US would never get in to the Commonwealth :-)

Re:DRM

[bartron]

because there's no freaking way to just buy the files
Where I buy all of my mp3's from I can do jsut that....DRM free ;)
Bartron

It's too bad CDs aren't around anymore

[bwalling]

I remember back when I was young, we could go out and by music on optical discs. They played in your stereo, in your car, and you could even rip them to MP3. You could even head down to a used record store and pick up used CDs for around $8. Of course, back in those days, we had to walk both ways, up hill, in the snow.

Re:It's too bad CDs aren't around anymore

[evilviper]

I remember back when I was young, we could go out and by music on optical discs.

Yup, I remember those days too... $20 a disc, for a CD that is 66% empty, which has exactly one song on it you actually like.

Those were the days.

Re:It's too bad CDs aren't around anymore

[shark72]

"Where the hell does everyone get the "$20 for 1 good song and a bunch of fillers" thing from."

Why, from the Big Book of Piracy Rationalizations, of course! Here's the TOC:

1. CDs cost $20.
2. CDs only have one good song.
3. All CDs have DRM. All of them.
4. Artists Don't Make Money Selling CDs
5. Except The Ones Who Are Really, Really Rich, So It's Still OK
6. Artist Only Make Money Touring
7. "If they can't or won't play live, or their musical style is not fit for live performances, then they're just not good artists and don't deserve to be compensated through music sales" And Other Comebacks When People Inform You That You Are Wrong
8. If An Artist Is In It For The Money, They Aren't Really An Artist: Beethoven, Strauss, Mozart and Others Who Were Fabulously Wealthy
9. Record Companies Don't Deserve To Make a Profit, and All Record Company Employees Should Work For Free
10. "The Record Company Provides No Service" : How A Sheet Of Lyrics Is Identical To A CD
11. The Artists Are Needy: Record Companies Don't Pay Them Enough, So You Don't Have To Pay Them At All
12. The Artists Are Greedy: They Don't Deserve Their Fame. Piracy Lets You Take Them Down a Notch.

Appendix:

1. Why Musicians Aren't Deserving Of Your Respect, While Other Artists Are
2. The Montgomery Freedom March, Gandhi, and P2P: Great Examples of Civil Disobedience
3. Why The Golden Rule Doesn't Apply When You're Dealing With Musicians
4. "I Pirate Because I Don't Have Any Money!" : Explaining How You Manage To Pay Your Broadband Bill Each Month, But Music Is Too Expensive
5. "Artists Did OK For A Thousand Years Without DRM, So Why Do They Need It Now?" : Why YOU Deserve The Benefits of Broadband, P2P, and Other Modern Technology, But Content Creators Don't

Re:Maybe tens simply lack the money?

[Gilmoure]

That reminds me, my daughter's 6th birthday party is tomorrow and I need to pick up a case of beer. Kids like Miller, right?

wrong

[Unknown_monkey]

Clearly the solution is that the **AA's should be able to prosecute any teenager that doesn't have an actively used credit card. Because they're stealing music. That has to be the conclusion of the article.

Re:DRM

[LordEd]

hey, are you trying to imply something by placing some of your word's letters in bold? Or am i just reading extra meaning from your odd message colouring?

Re:DRM

[rdoger6424]

It's most likely an unfortunately acquired habit. A fairly exotic one at that.