iTunes Subscriptions Finally a Reality?
Posted by: Kent in Reluctant Geek, tags: geek, mac, multimedia, music, subscription, windows
Among other things predicted by this post, TUAW is suggesting that on September 9, Apple may introduce a subscription model to their iTunes software. I’ve posted plenty of times about what I think of the idea of subscription music (see the Related Posts below if you want to see for yourself), and any of you who have read any of them know that I think the concept is a great idea. I still use Rhapsody, and I still complain about having to boot up Windows on my Mac through Parallels so I can sync music to my non iPod media player.
Rumors like this have been circulating for years, but this time around there seems to be definite evidence that Apple has actually been negotiating with record labels for such a service. If this rumor proves true, here’s one guy that will be running out to buy an iPod as soon as he can afford one!
Anybody else heard anything about this? Do you have any opinions about subscription music?
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oh man, if itunes gets a subscription service… that will be saweeet!
greentheo Reply:
September 8th, 2008 at 9:30 am
oh but no I haven’t heard anything about it… though I’m not usually plugged in to such thigns.
I have long been against subscription music. It seems strange to me to pay for something that you do not get to keep. If you’re going to pay $10-$20 per month for a music subscription, why not instead apply that money towards 1 or 2 albums per month and keep them forever?
Nevertheless, I am now beginning to change my tune… no pun intended… Back in April, I purchased a new (to me) vehicle. Among other luxuries, this vehicle is equipped with XM radio. I managed to find a discount code online that got me free activation and a 3 month free trial, so I figured what the heck. Well, if you do your math that subscription ended in July, yet I am now a satisfied paying customer.
Due to the variety and quality of music that I am able to access through a “music subscription” (*), I no longer tire of hearing the same ol’ drab. Even WITH buying an album or two every month, the music tends to wear on me.
The only question now is: “How much?”
(*) - Granted, this is not a precise apples to apples comparison with subscription music on iTunes, since you WOULD get to hold onto the music you get from iTunes. However, the concept of not “owning” your music is the same.
Kent Reply:
September 8th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I could respond to this here, but since I’ve previously posted about why I think it’s a good idea, with people of your opinion in mind, and addressing the “If you’re going to pay $10-$20 per month…”, and “not getting to keep…” arguments specifically, I’ll direct you to that post, instead: Check it out here.
You may still disagree, but at least you’ve given me a chance to sound off. Personally, I think if you’re already starting to change your mind via XM radio, subscription music is the next logical step, as it offers quite a few advantages over XM, for the (roughly) the same subscription price.