Voting with my credit card
Published 21 September 2006
Hi! You've stumbled upon a blog post by a guy named Ryan. I'm not that guy anymore, but I've left his posts around because cool URIs don't change and to remind me how much I've learned and grown over time.
Ryan was a well-meaning but naïve and priviledged person. His views don't necessarily represent the views of anyone.
I fell in love with Amici Forever's debut CD which I bought (yes, bought) after hearing someone listen to it in the computer lab I managed for work. It is an amazing, beautiful and accessible foray into operatic style. Upon learning they had released a new album, however, the choice was a little more difficult.
Defined, the new album by the group is one of “[those CDs][sony]” created with rootkit-planting, disingenuous software for which their label was caught and sued. I don’t want to buy the [badware][], but I love the music. What is a guy to do?I shopped around for alternatives. Here's what I found:
| Vendor | Price | Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon (Copy Protected Version) | $14.99 | Sony rootkits potentially leave open security holes on any computer it is placed into. |
| iTunes Store | $9.99 | No physical CD. FairPlay DRM—music bought on iTunes isdefective by design. |
| Napster | $9.95 | No physical CD. Play4Sure DRM. Does not work in a Mac. Will not play in an iPod. |
| Amazon (Import Version) | $35.99 | Sweet, pure DRM-free audio. |
What’s the big deal?
Digital Restriction Mechanisms (DRM, and yes I know that’s not what Wikipedia calls it) are built-in encryption that prevents users from copying media distributed electronically. They’re usually owned by a single company and work only in a single context. A
laissez-faire capitalist might think this well within the sellers’ rights, but it presents a number of problems most consumers don’t realize. Some of the bigger ones:No secondary market : Realized the that Justin lied and Sexy never left? There’s no such thing as digital garage sales. DRM music cannot be transferred to another owner.
No fair use : Almost all of contemporary culture was built by derivative works.
DRM music does not let you remix it, sample it, or use it in ways protected by fair use provisions of copyright law.Product lock-in : Imagine having to re-buy your entire CD collection just because you upgraded your player. Or bought a new car. Microsoft’s new Zune does not even play their own DRM. iTunes music is trash if you switch away from an iPod, and Amazon, Napter, et al. won’t work if you use a Mac.
I chose to pay
\$21more for my CD. DRM is a social evil, and the extra price is worth the message to Sony/BMG: I vote for freedom.