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Will People Really Boycott Apple Over DRM?

Posted by kdawson on from the for-tuppence-and-a-pretty-interface dept.

Ian Lamont writes "DefectiveByDesign.org is waging a battle against DRM with a 35-day campaign targeting various hardware and software products from Microsoft, Nintendo, and others. On day 11 it blasted iTunes for continuing to use DRM-encumbered music, games, TV shows, movies, audiobooks, and apps with DRM, while competitors are selling music without restrictions. DefectiveByDesign calls on readers to include 'iTunes gift cards and purchases in your boycott of all Apple products' to 'help drive change.' However, there's a big problem with this call to arms: most people simply don't care about iTunes DRM. Quoting: 'The average user is more than willing to pay more money for hobbled music because of user interface, ease of use, and marketing. ... Apple regularly features exclusive live sets from popular artists, while Amazon treats its digital media sales as one more commodity being sold.' What's your take on the DRM schemes used by Apple and other companies? Is a boycott called for, and can it be effective?"

4 of 664 comments (clear)

  1. Re:No by Samschnooks · · Score: 4, Funny

    No

    You got that right. Apple, being the marketing gods that they are, will get by this easily. It wouldn't surprise me if Apple actually charges extra for the DRM, selling it as service and feature.

    I can just hear it now from the Apple Fans, "Apple has DRM! Do the other services? Nooooo! That's why I buy Apple for these extra value added services! That's why they charge more!"

    Currently, I wondering if I should really take the Karma hit. Is there a way my Karma hit can go to starving orphans or something? Starving orphans that need Apple products?

    Yep, I'm going to Slashdot Hell for this. Windows 3.1 as my OS on a 386, Balmer as my boss, and no stock options to compensate...

  2. Re:people want software they can use by TrueDego · · Score: 4, Funny

    Most people can't use most of most software.

    Most uses of the word most I have ever seen in one sentence.

    --
    Wandering Wombat (531833) once said: "a watermelon is NOT a puppydog"
  3. Re:No by jank1887 · · Score: 2, Funny

    soylent green is people!

  4. Re:No by AMindLost · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yep, I'm going to Slashdot Hell for this. Windows 3.1 as my OS on a 386, Balmer as my boss, and no stock options to compensate...

    Could have been worse, you could have said that Linux isn't ready for the desktop.