Consumer Advocacy: Microsoft Abandons MSN Music Users (to Enforce DRM)
Last week, Microsoft announced to MSN Music users that they would be discontinuing their online music service — including not honoring licensed music by means of legitimate paid DRM keys. The decision not only hurts their users, it also serves as a case study for how content distributors should not protect digital media.
In the EFF’s DeepLinks blog, they share their perspective on the situation (rather, validating them) by writing an open letter to Microsoft urging them to take steps to reimburse MSN Music users for songs that will be deactivated and/or provide long-term support for Microsoft Zune users who would be affected.
Here is a scenario that might help folks understand what this really is about:
You want to buy a tire [Music CD] for your car. Instead of going to the dealer [CD Store], you go to a competitive tire shop [MSN Music] that promises that you can take your tire with you and has a warranty for life. Well, many miles later, the tire shop closes down and they send a guy [DRM] out to puncture your tires because they can’t promise the manufacturers [Record companies] that you’ve obtained a tire from them. Now, you technically agreed to this because you signed the invoice [EULA], and is totally legal and you need to go buy a new tire.
While that is a bit of a stretch, it’s precisely the point — DRM does not prevent unauthorized copies of music, in fact, it encourages it. Why couldn’t Microsoft just send a regular MP3 through the tubes? Because of costly technology, fear of record companies and frivolous lawsuits — consumers pay the price by means of lost music, a poor experience and their wallet.
I have hope that Microsoft will do the right thing and deactivate DRM encryption for MSN music users (that is, send it via a Windows Update) or at least refund the money per song at “market value” at a nominal $1.00 per song and a less corporate droned apology to users.
But I won’t hold my breath.
“…support for Microsoft Zune users who would be affected…”
Gee, I am glad I didn’t buy myself a Zune…not that I was ever overly tempted. But this is another example of an industry led by RIAA that bites the hands that feed it. It blows my mind that multi-billion dollar industries like music (and the airlines are another prime example of a group doing everything they seemingly can to alienate their customers) go out of their way to make it difficult and painful to be their customer. But, I like to think that when one door closes another will open and in this case I think it is the Creative Commons movement. Everyone interested in copyright issues should become familiar with Lawrence Lessig and read his book “Free Culture: The Nature and Future of Creativity:”.
Chris,
Thanks for your insight. I agree that it’s shocking to see how often large companies hurt their customer relationships (yet seem to struggle to retain repeat customers).
As far as myself, I own an iPod and thankfully Apple hasn’t trespassed over into the Darkside, yet.
~Joe