| One of the nicest things about online music downloads | | | | MP3 music downloads from a variety of sources that |
| is that people now have freedom when it comes to | | | | will still be compatible with the iPod. |
| which MP3 player they want to use and which MP3 | | | | "Someone who buys a song has to be able to listen to |
| music download site they want to use. The technology | | | | it, no matter which device or the software of choice," |
| is very new, though, and the industry has had some | | | | said Martin Rogard, adviser to the French culture |
| shaky times. One case is last year's decision in France | | | | minister. He added that the previous system for online |
| to make online music downloads compatible with | | | | music downloads in France was "not in the interest of |
| multiple music players. | | | | the consumer, nor the interest of the creator. It only |
| During the March of 2006, the national assembly in | | | | benefits the company and we're there to defend the |
| France voted by a landslide to give residents more | | | | consumer, our citizens." |
| freedom when it comes to MP3 music downloads. | | | | The decision in France may have had some effects |
| They said consumers should have the right to | | | | on the music recording industry in general when it |
| download music to MP3 players of their choice, not the | | | | comes to online music downloads. There are now |
| player that the site wants them to use. | | | | many more MP3 music download sites than ever |
| For the first time, consumers could download music to | | | | before, and they can offer MP3 music downloads that |
| an iPod from stores other than iTunes, or to download | | | | will play on an iPod or any other portable player. It is a |
| music from iTunes France to other types of MP3 | | | | good thing for consumers, and it may also be a good |
| players. "It's good for the market," said Alexander | | | | thing for the music recording industry. |
| Ross of media law firm Wiggin. "It enables all digital | | | | If consumers have more methods of downloading |
| music retailers to compete on a level playing field." | | | | music available to them, music industry executives and |
| This is one example of how the MP3 music download | | | | artists will have more chances to profit from the |
| technology is changing with the times and suiting | | | | copyright fees. With more compatibility, more MP3 |
| consumers' needs. There's no reason that one MP3 | | | | music download sites will open up. And if they want to |
| download company should dominate a whole market, | | | | be legit, they have to pay the copyright fees. Giving |
| according to many economists in France and around | | | | freedom of choice to consumers simply makes for a |
| the world. The iPod is definitely the most popular MP3 | | | | more fair market. |
| music player, but consumers want the freedom to get | | | | |