barb dybwad's Profile

I completely agree with hmurchison. I know it's very American to believe there must be one and only one winner in every contest, but it seems to me a no-brainer that pay-per-download and subscription models can coexist happily side by side, just as they do in many other markets from video to automobiles to living quarters. The "Rent versus Own" argument misses the fact that there are times in one's life when it makes more sense to rent, and other times when it makes more sense to own - for whatever reason: finance, convenience, etc. Hence, I don't see too many college kids buying houses, and I know don't anyone who hasn't rented a movie. I don't need to own every single track I hear, and quite the opposite. I use several subscription services to get turned onto new music, and use the iTMS to purchase the cream of the crop when funds allow. If the iTMS offered a subscription service, all the easier - I would quite happily use both methods. Radio is a good idea, too - but it's still broadcast-model technology. I would much rather have the option to seek out new artists and give them a 'test drive' myself rather than trust some third-party DJ or playlist to have too much insight into my wacky and eclectic musical taste.