Being a huge fan of Foo Fighters, I bought their newest album In Your Honor a few weeks back. I did notice that it had a label on it that stated that the CD was ‘copy-protected’, whatever that means. I read this story about how the record companies have decided to implement yet another bonehead DRM scheme on several new CD releases. The DRM on my Foo Fighters CD is really non-existant if you use Linux. I had no problems ripping IYH to mp3s, just like any other CD that I have. What’s the point of DRM again?

Apple announced yesterday the their new iPod that supports all sorts of cool video stuff. But, along with the RIAA, MPAA, Hollywood and the entire music industry, Apple’s iTunes is bound by crappy DRM. Other than DRM, there really is no reason that iTunes should be a standalone application. Why not make it a web app, so those of us Linux freaks can buy Apple’s music and video swag? Because of this, I have never used iTunes with my iPod (I use gtkpod and it rocks!). When are these companies going to figure out that they are only alienating their customers? There isn’t a DRM algorithm that can’t be cracked! There never will be! Period!!! DRM does not work! MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT LORDS, PLEASE STOP WASTING RESOURCES ON DRM AND SPEND MORE TIME ON IMPROVING YOUR CONTENT! Whew, I feel better.