If you haven't already heard it (over-reported) already, Apple's iTunes Music Store has been somewhat successful, and is challenging the very way music is sold and distributed - a buck a song (USD$1.00 per track).
Of course, the bad has been pointed out: What is a track is only 30 seconds? Still a dollar. What if it's something from the 30's? Still a buck. What if it's a "hot new release" (that should command a premium)? Still a buck.
So while it is not perfect, it is the CLOSEST thing on the net for music distribution, as there are very little (or none at all) restrictions. You buy it, you download it, it's yours; play it where you want.
OK, so here is the CLUE that Apple needs: DO NOT RESTRICT iTUNES TO MACS ONLY. I know, someone probably thinks this is a brilliant move to sell more macs (or even reward those who've been paying through the nose for their proprietary hardware). That's fine and dandy, but you know what? It's going to take someone about a second to start a competitive service that is open to ALL platforms (Windows, Mac, *nix, PDA's) and that will absoloutely bury Apple's Music Store (except for the handful of die-hards that stick with Apple until Cupertino cuts them off).
Any mac users out there get the new iTunes4 and try out this service? They made the iPod PC-friendly, and look how HUGE that sales boost was... Apple got a taste of that lucrative PC market, here's a big chance for them to really cash in.
-myrkat
Of course, the bad has been pointed out: What is a track is only 30 seconds? Still a dollar. What if it's something from the 30's? Still a buck. What if it's a "hot new release" (that should command a premium)? Still a buck.
So while it is not perfect, it is the CLOSEST thing on the net for music distribution, as there are very little (or none at all) restrictions. You buy it, you download it, it's yours; play it where you want.
OK, so here is the CLUE that Apple needs: DO NOT RESTRICT iTUNES TO MACS ONLY. I know, someone probably thinks this is a brilliant move to sell more macs (or even reward those who've been paying through the nose for their proprietary hardware). That's fine and dandy, but you know what? It's going to take someone about a second to start a competitive service that is open to ALL platforms (Windows, Mac, *nix, PDA's) and that will absoloutely bury Apple's Music Store (except for the handful of die-hards that stick with Apple until Cupertino cuts them off).
Any mac users out there get the new iTunes4 and try out this service? They made the iPod PC-friendly, and look how HUGE that sales boost was... Apple got a taste of that lucrative PC market, here's a big chance for them to really cash in.
-myrkat
and you know that money isn't going to the artists.
