More news from the MP3 wars

Subject: More news from the MP3 wars
From: SeanM
Date: 28 Jan 00 - 12:02 AM

Just got this link from a friend today...

http://www.mp3.com/response.html

For those without the time to chase the link, it's a fairly strongly worded shot across the bows of the RCAA.

The fight, so it seems, is joined.

And it all seems so familiar, somehow...

M

Subject: RE: More news from the MP3 wars
From: MK
Date: 28 Jan 00 - 12:41 AM

Thanks for the link Sean. I read both letters.

My conclusion: They're BOTH weasels.

I would liken Michael Robertson to a Bill Gates wannabee, in terms of sheer cunning. In the same way that Billy sought to mask his desire to politely obliterate Netscape, by inextricably making Internet Explorer part of the operating system, he could brazenly claim he was, innovating. The same level of deviousness is at work here with Michael Roberston. By having users upload THEIR music, he is claiming that he is merely hosting a virtual CD player of music, sent by people who want to hear their favourite tunes. BUT........the music IS being sent to a world-wide access data base for retrieval, listening (and perhaps downloading) by OTHERS, who are NOT listening to THEIR music. This would most definitely constitute a performance royalty payment of some sort. Robertson is profiting at the expense of the gullible general public.

On the other hand, Hillary Rosen has all the subtlety of a carnival barker......and is just another person in the long food chain with her hand out. She negotiates more like an agent, then a CEO of a big organization.

If you were the judge, who would you side with?

(Should make a very good trial.)

Subject: RE: More news from the MP3 wars
From: MK
Date: 28 Jan 00 - 12:43 AM

sorry about forgeting to close off the italics...)

Subject: RE: More news from the MP3 wars
From: GUEST,T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
Date: 28 Jan 00 - 01:01 PM

MP3.com should (if it hasn't already) add a feature whereby the MP3 file is automatically purged after 2 or 3 months unless it is actively renewed by the user's re-confirming posession of a fairly-bought CD. Though it is no sure guarantee, this will increase the chances that every file in the database actually corresponds to a bought-and-paid-for CD.

T.

Subject: RE: More news from the MP3 wars
From: GUEST,inquiring mind
Date: 28 Jan 00 - 06:19 PM

how long does it take to convert a CD with 16 songs to MP3 format and upload to mp3.com????

Subject: RE: More news from the MP3 wars
From: MK
Date: 28 Jan 00 - 06:23 PM

....depends on the length of the tune and what encoder program you use....Lately I've been using a program called CDH Media Wizard, and on average it takes, about 3-5 minutes to convert one tune from wav file to an mp3 file...The uploading process will depend on how fast your connection to the internet is......but figure the average mp3 file can range in size from a meg and a half to 4 or 5 megs, again dependent on the length of the original tune..

Subject: RE: More news from the MP3 wars
From: GUEST,Okiemockbird
Date: 09 Feb 00 - 09:39 AM

MP3.com has now filed suit against the RIAA, asserting that the RIAA has engaged in unfair business practices, according to this news item.

T.

Subject: RE: More news from the MP3 wars
From: GUEST,Okiemockbird
Date: 09 Feb 00 - 09:40 AM

Here it is. I don't know what happened to the blue clicky thingy in my last post.