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RealNetworks' iPod Campaign Backfires
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2004-08-19 09:29:34
Readers may recall that late last month, RealNetworks effectively cracked Apple's FairPlay code, allowing them to deploy songs onto the iPod. This after Apple denied RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser's request that the companies work together to provide music to iPod users. Upset with Apple, Real took matters into their own hands in a move that Apple called "the tactics and ethics of a hacker." Apple has indicated that future iPod firmware versions will break Real's hack, preventing them from deploying songs onto the iPod.
In response, RealNetworks recently started an online campaign involving a price slash of their online song downloads to $.49 and a petition / comments page to stir media and urge Apple to relax their stance. "Hey Apple! Don't break my iPod," the site is titled. The petition states:
"Your company has long stood for innovation and open competition. We're asking that you...support the right of your own customers to make their own choices about where they buy music for the iPod. We want Freedom of Music Choice! Don't lock us in to purchasing digital music from one source. That's bad for competition. It will stifle innovation. And it will slow the adoption of digital music devices like the iPod."
The site now has around 1000 signatures, but interestingly, Real's effort here has basically blown up in their face. Many comments posted in the petition expressed anger and hostility at RealNetworks' behavior in hacking Apple's mindshare. One user wrote:
"You people are wrong, wrong, wrong. If we wanted 'choices' like yours, they wouldn't have to be foisted on us. Most of us, given a real choice, would rather see you and your tactics go away. 'Competition' doesn't give you any right to reverse-engineer when you feel like it, but come down on those that hack into your IP rights. It's theft, pure and simple."
Another user comment underscored the irony of Real's actions here:
"I choose to use a Macintosh. Why won't Real support me? Rhapsody doesn't work on the Mac. So even if I was interested in buying music from Real, I can't do it."
After a number of such comments were posted, Real removed the comment section of the petition, prompring many users to express themselves by chosing descriptive usernames such as "Real Sucks." At this, Real removed the ability to see the signee names.
A most amusing turn of events, we feel.
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