14 DAY TRIAL // Having asked the title question and having also answered it in the subtitle should be enough for those who have even the faintest idea on the "DRM Wars". Since the battle has become fiercer as it draws to an end - whatever end might that be (even though I am pretty sure the DRM has already lost) - the sides involved in this confrontation are putting up their best.
After yesterday's incendiary essay from Apple's CEO Steve Jobs (a really nice job done there, sir) it's now time for some crap-throwing from the world's most hated organization, the RIAA. Far from thinking thoroughly on what has Jobs said, they hurried up to issue some press release regarding Apple's new position on the music market and, as expected, the s**t has hit the fans. Those who have read Steve Jobs' article have no doubt that he's willing to suppress the DRM... Well, it seems like the RIAA are not only slow-minded but also have troubles in understanding plain English.
Steve Jobs said, in the end of his essay: "Convincing them to license their music to Apple and others DRM-free will create a truly interoperable music marketplace. Apple will embrace this wholeheartedly." Now, for RIAA only: "wholeheartedly" means, according to dictionaries, "Marked by unconditional commitment, unstinting devotion, or unreserved enthusiasm." Meaning "happily" also. "Happy" as in "content, not sad" and so on. What's wrong with you, people?
I mean, I know what's wrong, but you look so silly as you declare crap like "Apple's offer to license Fairplay to other technology companies is a welcome breakthrough and would be a real victory for fans, artists and labels.
There have been many services seeking a license to the Apple DRM. This would enable the interoperability that we have been urging for a very long time." You haven't paid any attention to Mr. Jobs' words as he said that licensing FairPlay to others will end up in the hacker's hands and the whole DRM-thing will go down in an instant as the "many services" you dream about will become futile along with all their security system the moment the popularized FairPlay will (and you all know it will) be cracked.
Still, the RIAA is stubborn when it comes to understanding the true meaning of Steve Jobs' words. Again, they mean that Apple is willing to give up the DRM. Even in commercial, economic calculations, the ban of DRM works for Apple as they want (and will) to sell more music online and potentially pre-recorded in their iPods - music to be playable on any device! And you should be able to imagine that a lot of new customers will buy from the DRM-free iTunes once this will be possible. Meaning more money for Apple, regardless of your rants. RIAA, get a grip: the system you planned is crumbling under your feet!
Pictures credited to various RIAA non-lovers over the www.
