NYT Article On Steve’s Thoughts On Music

John Markoff of the New York Times writes about Steve’s thoughts on music as well as what other people are saying about it.

The record industry seems to favor the licensing of Apple’s Fairplay DRM to other companies. We all know that’s unlikely though not impossible. I’m not being an Apple fan boy when I take Steve’s side on this. Licensing Fairplay to other companies makes it just too complicated. Let’s face it, people will find a work around to it. In fact there are some now. I won’t post it here in the interest of not promoting music piracy. But a resourceful person can find a way around it.

Jason Reindorp of Microsoft seems to think that Steve is trying to take credit for something that other people have been pushing for. He says they are already on the ground working with industry to make it happen. Ok, since Microsoft is the king of restrictions, I’d take that with a grain of salt Mr. Reindorp. Microsoft is working with the record industry to make more money, that one I tend to believe.

My personal take on this whole thing is really to just do away with DRM. I mean, c’mon. I paid for the music. I should be able to listen to it when and how I want to as long as I don’t make money out of it. Right? I don’t want to be buying music all over again if I decide to change devices. What about forward compatibility. I’m an iPod user now but I’m not sure I’ll still be one 10 years from now. I want to be guaranteed that whatever money I invest in music now, I can still use in the future. I’m not rich you know…

So there… I’m with Steve on this one. Let’s abolish DRM. See where it gets us. If in a year or so there’s no positive sign to it. Bring it back again.