Re: FN-FORUM: Advice on DRM needed

date posted 6th November 2007 17:41

On 06/11/2007 11:18, Vicki Sivess wrote:
>
> A client has asked me to look into the possibility of implementing an
> itunes-like domain rights management system on a forthcoming music
> downloads part of his website.
>
> Knowing little about it I approached it with an open mind and soon
> discovered it is a very controversial subject.
>
> I have read Steve Job's open letter where he says he would take it off
> itunes if the record companies did not insist on it and I've also read
> the series of Guardian articles by Cory Doctorow who is vehemently
> opposed to the concept.
>
> I conclude that DRM is a bad idea because, in essence, it inconveniences
> the honest people who have paid for the music while not stopping
> dishonest people from stealing it.
>
> Is that about it? Has anyone here had a positive experience of using or
> implementing such a system or are there any important articles I should
> read on the subject?
>
> Regards,
> Vicki
>

Any tune will get pirated no matter what DRM you try, most/all of them
can be worked around in some way or other, DRM also causes problems for
users who don't have a portable device to play that particular format.

The best way to offer music in my opinion is to offer a sliding scale in
quality vs price, so for example offer the 128kbit mp3 for 50p, but
offer the 320kbit one at 1 pound, offer the "lossless" formats for
£1.50. Your more likely to get sales if there's a cheap version and the
real fans or audio geeks who like quality will pay the premium for the
higher quality files. I'd also offer as many formats as possible, people
like choice.

Martin