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