Does anyone buy music online? I was under the impression that sales were really taking off now that most everyone has an iPod or similar. Though this morning I read;

A study conducted by Forrester Research indicates online music sales have plummeted in the past year. By researching credit card transactions over a 27-month period, Forrester was able to ascertain that the iTunes monthly revenue has fallen by 65-percent.

Wow, that's a big fall... Due to piracy??

No idea. There's no official word either, so who knows if their statistics are even correct!

I can't think of another reason besides the piracy....hmmm...

Some analysts are claiming it's the encryption (DRM) that prevents you using the music across your own systems. Personally I don't buy that.

I don't. The one time I did was about a year ago- I bought a track for my cellphone to use as the ring tone but was so annoyed at the fact that I couldn't move it to anywhere else that I gave up. I either buy the cd (and rip it) or do the bad stuff (download/rip friends cd's). I figure they make enough money anyway...

They make money, though I don't think that condones stealing from them. I think the real issue that all industries face (be it fashion or music or software) is encouraging us not to steal it.

A stolen copy of Windows XP tries to do this by annoying the crap out of you, whereas Mac just try and make a fantastic product from the get-go and do little to stop pirated copies. Who gets pirated less, and whose sales are on the increase?

maybe my problem is that i feel somebody did pay for that in the first place. I mean if i buy the cd why shouldnt I listen on my ipod? I paid for the cd and then if my sister wants to listen too then *shrug*. maybe we dont see it as stealing because its not exactly a tangible item- its music. or maybe im jsut making excuses :P

Mac did write that terrible Haiku, that's totally a deterrent.

I do...I luv it...when I hv nothing to do at work I download & plug my headphones in & the dumb ass lawyers think i'm doing a dictaphone tape...he he he...until I start singing out loud!
I pay something like 11c a track...its a wonder they make any money from it...
xxSoHo Babi