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Music DRM in Critical Condition?
ianare writes "Universal Music Group, the largest music company on the planet, has announced that the company is going to sell DRM-free music. The test will see UMG offering a portion of its catalog — primarily its most popular content — sold without DRM between August 21 and January 31 of next year. The format will be MP3, and songs will sell for 99 each, with the bitrate to be determined by the stores in question. RealNetwork's Rhapsody service will offer 256kbps tracks, the company said in a separate statement. January 31 is likely more of a fire escape than an end date. If UMG doesn't like what they're seeing, they'll pull the plug. UMG says that it wants to watch how DRM-free music affects piracy rates."
What a shining example of ethics you have there.
Why should i pay them when i can go out and "steal" it for free.
What a wonderful place the world would be with that mentality. Wish i could of applied it when i went to tech. Why should i pay course fees, when i can print out a diploma for $1
If they make music, and you want it, pay them what they want, or move on. It is not your right to make their hard work your own.
And its going off-topic anyway
The story is about DRM, which we hate because it limits or breaks what we can and should be able to do with legitimately purchased music/dvds/games
Its not about how we should be able to steal freely.
To avoid criticism; Say nothing, Do nothing, Be nothing.