Yahoo has announced plans to close its music store effective September 30, 2008. After that date, consumers that switch computers will lose their music since the DRM license key server will move offline. Yet another example of how the combination of DRM and Bill C-61 represents a huge loss for consumers.
Yahoo’s Music Store Closing, Locking Consumers Out Of Their Music
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Contacted my MP
I’ve already contacted my rural-Alberta MP with this example of how the non-circumvention lines in Bill C-61 will hurt consumers. Unfortunately, for these “conservatives”, it appears that “free-market” means creating laws to protect big-business from the consumers.
This Bill is not conservative and does not promote a free-market in the least.
Accountability
You mean all of those records, tapes, discs I bought from Sam the Record Man can’t be played anymore? Oh, wait, sorry, wrong generation.
I wonder what’s behind the closing. Could it be that the cost of maintaining DRM servers and the music service itself out weigh the profit?
It would be nice to have a reason for shutting down the service, but I guess that’s too difficult to do in this day and age of non accountability when it comes to corporations.
MCE:
The reason for the shutdown is very likely due to a lack of sales. Yahoo’s music service never really took off. I guess on the plus side, not too many will be affected.
Still, make a statement: never buy DRM-protected media.
@ Jorvay
DRM protection is an insult to me as a programmer and avid music listener. Restrictive Software licenses in general should be done away with. I’m not giving a company money so they can tell me how to live my life.
Merger
Jorvay:
I would imagine that’s the case. However, I read a letter sent to Yahoo! Music customers, which may explain a little more. Here’s an excerpt:
“Stay tuned! While the Yahoo! Music Unlimited Store will no longer be available, Yahoo! Music has partnered with Rhapsody so you can still purchase your favorite tracks.”
As it stands not only are consumers bound by contracts which allow their access to media they have paid for to be removed at any time. Unless I am mistaken, the consumer has virtually no guaranteed access rights what so ever and as result no media access is required by law.
And worse Bill 61 denies consumers their rights to migrate media or choose their means of accessing media. Combined with access denying contracts, this bill effectively allows consumers to be denied access to media. This denied access to media creates media monopolies.
As it stands bill 61 only provides the ability to prevent media access and does not provide consumers assured access to media.
Next to fall sooner or later
First MS
Then Yahoo
next up Apple
??? or chose your own drmed to crap music service