Spare Change

Napster Resurrected Resuscitated

Posted by Bryan

So Napster offers a 14-day all-you-can download freeforall.

I've taken advantage of this.

And for no other reason than because it's free, I've downloaded hits from the likes of Melissa Manchester, Lionel Richie, Sheena Easton, George Michael (and Wham), Lenny Kravitz, and countless others that I'd be reticent to admit unless pressed. I'm so impressed by this window of generosity I'll probably be a life-long customer.*

So, this version doesn't jive with I-Tunes, nearsofaras I can tell. Is this correct? Can I still burn CDs to play on my stereo.

What's the workaround?**

UPDATE: Ahhhh...now I get it....I can only keep the music as long as I subscribe....AND, if I want to burn the music, I must pay additionally for it. What a sneaky little ploy.

UPDATED UPDATE: I've unloaded the Napster executable from my hard drive because it was the culprit behind the disabler on my antivirus software. The .wma files have remained. And they still work. So, now I have deep philosophical questions to answer, like, "will they still be there in 13 days when the free trial ends?" and "Will I still be billed, even though I unloaded the program?" (I better check that out!), and "Can I burn these CDs, or will that rip an unalterable hole in the space/time continuum bringing about the end of the universe?"

First, let me just say that my snap judgment says I-Tunes good, Napster lame. Second, let me also say that I find myself pining for the day where I could make an awesome mix tape for my lady (you have to say that in your best Johnny Fever voice) and not worry about whether or not it'll play on one device or another, because there was only one format to choose from.

Third, let me finally say that this whole affair is making me feel old and crotchety.

*Claims of fidelity are likely gratuitous in nature and should not be considered a verbal contract.

**not that I'm looking for a way to cheat. If no such one exists, I'm happy as a planted clam to use my Windows Media Player to playback these tunes. Really. But if there is a workaround, I'd be interested to hear it...you know, just for trivia's sake.

May 10, 2005 1:12 AM