This is probably one of the most stupid things I’ve seen in a recently. A little group called “Defective by Design” has put together some sort protest effort to contest Apple’s DRM hold on iTunes and iPod. Their plan is to loiter outside Apple Stores and hand out literature, telling consumers how man has been blind-sighted by big business, how your rights are being diminished (oh lord, you can only burn a playlist seven times before having to change it up) and at the keystone of this effort: tell consumers how they’re locked into Apple’s distribution methods exclusively (notably iTunes).
Excuse me? The only thing defective by design is this campaign, and other ones like it. While it is very true that Apple exercises DRM to keep media files from being widely distributed, it’s a measure that is far from being prohibitive. Further more, if you don’t like DRM, no one said you had to purchase an iPod (there’s tons of other players on the market), or purchase songs from iTunes (again, tons of ways to get music legally). Apple doesn’t necessarily lock you to their distribution channels- you can easily head down to a record store and pick up a bunch of CDs like you always did, DRM free. Essentially however, there’s a problem with this. It’s greatly inferior and inconvenient for consumers. Other players just don’t connect with consumers, and record stores are on the demise because they can’t compete with the convenience provided by online music stores. That’s the facts.
They claim Apple’s intent is to restrict people. Let’s get this right: Apple’s intent is strictly to prevent unauthorized distribution of media. Why do you need to burn a CD of the same order seven times exactly? You’re purchasing a single (personal use) license for the media you downloaded, not 25 licenses, nor the right to exclusive ownership with all rights. This “sinister deal” is the same deal that you’re presented with in a record store, only without the means to enforce the rules.
When you go to the movies, are you given rights to record the film you’re watching and distribute it all over the internet? Hrm, that looks like a no. I think I’m going to have to start me a protest!
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