Posted by Loco Jones on 09/14/05 04:27

<kevswan73@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1126665896.228785.36890@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> I downloaded and legally purchased a song from itunes.
> When I went to move the file to my portable MP3 player I was
> told the "protected files can not be converted to other formats".

Therein lies the problem with DRM-crippled downloads from RIAA-sanctioned
"music stores".

People actually believe they are "purchasing" songs from iTunes (et al).
Truth is, you are *renting* (for a limited time, and with restrictions)
DATA which is as ephemeral as the air you breathe. In the past, this would
be known as "buying a bill of goods". That's never been a good idea.

> I am confused by this. I own the song as I purchased it and I
> would like to listen to it on my MP3 player.

You only *think* you own the song. Can you re-sell it? NO. Can you do with
it what you wish, as "fair use doctrine" implies/allows? NO. Can you
transfer it (easily) to the MP3 player of your choice? NO. You've been
played for a sucker, I'm sorry to say.

> Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this?

Joel has given you one option on this thread. The fact you've paid good
money only to learn that you have to jump through hoops in order to extract
*any* value from that purchase should make you think twice before ever
doing so again. If "caveat emptor" means anything to you, then you've been
warned.

> Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry if I haven't been much help in this regard, but honestly, a little
research prior to plonking down your credit card could have saved you a
world of pain. For example:
http://www.eff.org/IP/DRM/guide/ That's one - there are plenty of others.

The RIAA has absolutely no understanding of the real world, and is
hell-bent on maintaining a business-model status quo that exists only in
their twisted view of "control at all costs". Good for them, bad for us.

> I am sure I am not alone in my frustrations in this matter.

No, doubtless you are not. However... you *have* learned something, I
trust?
(everybody else, join the complaint line, it forms to the left.)

- Loco -
(Now Playing: Never Again - Human League)

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