I wrote to a friend this week, trying to explain the recent developments in digital music. Here's a slightly edited version (to protect the innocent). I'm sure you can add to it. iTunes, for example.
Whatever....
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Thanks for this, Claude. It's been interesting lately. Here are some other changes:
Apple has created a stir with its new integrated approach. They claim to have sold 2,000,000 tracks in about the first three weeks.
MusicNet, the service owned by Real, BMG, EMI, and Warner Music, seems to be drifting. The press has reported that Pressplay and Musicnet have lost a combined $60 million and have about 100,000 subscribers in total. Real seems to have withdrawn their support.
Real acquired Listen.com, owner of the Rhapsody service. This week they announced that they would sell 79 cent downloads and provide a Windows system to beat the daylights out of Apple's new service.
Universal's groups, Emusic and MP3.com, seem to be under some pressure to perform.
I think there must be two or three big ones, waiting in the wings, ready to pounce. Microsoft would seem likely. Who knows who else will enter?
I think nobody will make money for a year or two at least. This situation could go on longer, much longer.
My best,
Jim