14 DAY TRIAL // Now, it's rather hard to believe what the news feeds brought on my desktop: it looks like EMI has made a deal with Apple and will sell DRM-free music via iTunes and possibly other online stores as well. Let's dissect the content of what I have just written...
First, a very uncanny association of two words: EMI and DRM-free; what's wrong with you people? First of all, you come forth and say RIAA is a god, we should all bow to them; then comes Steve and says 4-letter words about your DRM and DRM wars and declares that Apple and iTunes won't take your crap anymore and in a short time, you decide to let out info regarding some "DRM-free music experiments" which turned out to provide exceptional feedback so you want to keep it on.
Then you f***ing change your mind and get scared after the remaining three major say bad words about you (and possibly threaten you a bit): you say that DRM-free music is a complete nonsense and no way you could do such a thing anymore; then semi-elegantly turn your back on Apple and Yahoo Music and go off with the "big boys".
Now you come back and say that you were wrong and that DRM-free music WILL be sold through online stores. Even more, as you catch Steve in UK you hurry up to close a deal regarding the so well-guarded tracks of Beatles and Queen. What's next, waiting for another 3-4 weeks and then run crying back in RIAA's arms and after some 2 more months, team up with Napster?
The second thing which is rather striking is the future of the somehow anticipated takeover of EMI Group by Warner... Everybody (even 10 yo little girls) know that Warner are so in love with DRM and see this as a fantastic achievement: how will Warner see EMI ditching their beloved digital rights management system and what will become of the whole supposed teaming? I guess that the next weeks will be rather crucial and this matter is one of great interest, even if EMI will/will not change sides again.
We'll be back soon later today or early in the morning tomorrow after seeing what happened at today's London conference where it looks like Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs and EMI representatives will do some very serious talking.
Anyway, for the final considerations... rumor goes that EMI is in a bit of trouble and the potential "association" between EMI and Warner could actually mean a buyout. Who will save EMI, if saving is what all is about: Warner by buying (and of course sacking the anti-DRM movements) or Apple by defending and helping (thus creating a very strong non-DRM pole and breaking the not-so-major-anymore 4 for good).