It’s when you try to step outside that framework that things break down. Like if you try to play iTunes files in WMP. Or Zune Marketplace files on iTunes.

The so-called “analog hole” exists for most things audio. Yes, you can burn CDs and re-rip them, but there’s a quality hit you take with that process that some people aren’t willing to go through. They want the quality they paid for, not somewhat less than what they paid for.

As well, you completely left out video. Currently, there is no “analog hole” for iTunes video. Anything you’ve purchased on iTunes will be locked to the computer they’re on if Apple decides to go the same route as the Yahoo! Music Store.

And correct me if I am wrong, but few people keep their computers beyond a handful of years. So, imagine something you’ve purchased “for life” that only lasts a handful of years. Imagine if you purchased some DVDs that self-destruct as soon as you buy a new DVD player.

The real issue here is cost. If the videos and songs were dirt cheap, far fewer people would complain, I would wager.

Finally, I am curious about your “fat chance” phrase. Do you know something that we don’t?

The truth of the matter is that we really don’t know what the future holds. The RIAA and MPAA could suddenly decide that Apple’s FairPlay isn’t stict enough (AACS is a prime example of how stringent the **AAs think things should be) and impose far stricter controls. This could lead Apple to realize that they are losing money with each purchase on the ITMS and then it would be silly to keep it open. The Stockholders wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, unless you know something we don’t, YOU couldn’t be more wrong. And if you DO know something we don’t, please… share with the class.

-Mike

You couldn’t be more wrong, even if the iTunes store happen to close (fat chance) my music will still play, besides if I want to tranfer it to another computer, I just burn a cd. yahoo an other services suck because they don’t sell you the track, they rent all the tracks you want. Besides, DRM doesn’t exist because of apple, it exist because record companies who want every greedy penny the can get. DRM is not the best but at least it works on iTunes