Re:Three Problems with iTunes (Score 1)

Good points on all three counts. Point 1 and 2, however, apply only to some. Vendor Lock/DRM: Experienced computer users are able to bypass the DRM on iTunes to utilize other players (example: I use my PDA as my MP3/unencrypted AAC player). Pricing Scheme: Personally, I like the pricing scheme on iTunes. I have no interest in a monthly "rental" service. I want to download and keep the music I like. Typically I only like a couple of songs on an album, and I only download those. Otherwise, I buy the CD. I refuse to sign on to a service that requires monthly payments, especially if I don't use the service during a particular month. The Long Tail: Here I think you're spot on. To be honest, I've found most of the music produced recently to be ABSOLUTE GARBAGE! A year ago I could listen to one or two radio stations and find something decent. Now I can drive for an hour and not find a single song worth listenening to. I've used iTunes to legally download a lot of older music I enjoy. At this point, I've downloaded most of what I want, and my downloads have slowed drastically. Part of the problem is the garbage the music industry is pumping out.