06 December 2009
CD Ripping in LaLa Land?
07/12/09 08:05
So, Apple have bought a music streaming service called LaLa. Is this the end for CD ripping services such as podServe?
First, for those of you unfamiliar with streaming music let me explain what Apple may have in mind. You pay a fee (probably monthly) for which you get access to music. You’d be able to listen to that music over the internet and probably download it to your iPod but you don’t actually “own” the music. When your subscription lapses you lose the right to hear that music again. If this become iTunes Music Streaming why bother with having your CDs ripped?
Sure, for some people it will work. But judging by the pathway littered with failed music streaming services it doesn’t suit many people. Even massive companies such as Nokia have struggled to get traction with music streaming. Here are some reasons why ripping your CDs (yourself, or through a service) will continue to make sense.
After the initial euphoria of being given access to so many millions of tracks previous streaming services rapidly induce fatigue.
There will be scandal. Some teenage nerd hacker in a garage in Scandinavia will figure out a way of bypassing the copy control system. Apple will shriek, the lables will wail, Lily Allen will have a fit. More software heading your way. If you want a streaming music service just buy a radio.
First, for those of you unfamiliar with streaming music let me explain what Apple may have in mind. You pay a fee (probably monthly) for which you get access to music. You’d be able to listen to that music over the internet and probably download it to your iPod but you don’t actually “own” the music. When your subscription lapses you lose the right to hear that music again. If this become iTunes Music Streaming why bother with having your CDs ripped?
Sure, for some people it will work. But judging by the pathway littered with failed music streaming services it doesn’t suit many people. Even massive companies such as Nokia have struggled to get traction with music streaming. Here are some reasons why ripping your CDs (yourself, or through a service) will continue to make sense.
- You like the music, why else would you have bought those CDs?
- You’ve made the investment, a bit more time / money and your library comes to life.
- Money - no monthly fee.
- No hassle - no big brother snooping on what you can or can’t listen to. No intrusive software.
After the initial euphoria of being given access to so many millions of tracks previous streaming services rapidly induce fatigue.
- Most new music is somewhere between poor and awful.
- There will be gaping holes. Some labels won’t play, classical music will be neglected.
- Negative press. Some users will pay but experience problems, so they’ll complain long and loud.
- Artists hate it as too much revenue goes to the label and not them.
- Licensing bodies hate it as they find it hard to track individual plays.
There will be scandal. Some teenage nerd hacker in a garage in Scandinavia will figure out a way of bypassing the copy control system. Apple will shriek, the lables will wail, Lily Allen will have a fit. More software heading your way. If you want a streaming music service just buy a radio.
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