With the rumours that the iTunes Music Store for windows will be released tomorrow Alan Graham comments on the DRM issues surrounding it and the general attitude of the RIAA towards technology.
We are on a slippery slope each time we make a concession with the RIAA. You can't work with a bully whose idea of working with you is telling you what to do and if you disagree, they'll take you to court. These tactics damage innovation because it sucks up valuable capital on lawsuits, driving small technology companies into oblivion. And let's face it, they are a large part of the reason why their wasn't an effective and acceptable DRM in the first place. If they spent more time talking and less time suing, the piracy problem might not be so rampant.
Let us hope that iTunes for Windows brings the same freedoms of use as the Mac version. It will be interesting to see how they will implement it.
Let us also hope that they get these licensing issues in Canada sorted out so I can support them by using the store.
Hopefully the itunes for windows store does come to Canada and quickly. It would be nice to be able to buy just one song off an album if that is all you want. That way you can get it at a good price and support the band at the same time. Everybody is happy that way!