Comment Letter I wrote to AG... (Score 1) 282
...before reading the comments here. I do agree that high quality streams in an open format (not Windoze specific, DRM maybe OK) to any number of convenient devices (computer, stereo, portable, car) would probably also earn my money. But anyway, here's my email:
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I applaud your launch of the Rhapsody service but that it still falls short of what I'd need to see to subscribe. I'd be willing to pay more, say $24.95 a month or so with a 1-yr contract, for:
1) Cutting edge compression - high quality MP4s ideally, as MP3 really does not provide a good quality/size ratio in comparison and MP4 is not platform specific.
2) Full access to the files for offline use, burning, or transfer (*NO* restrictions).
3) Request lists, especially for classical music (I understand there are licensing issues but I'm fairly sure your audiophile clientele would be willing to pay more for a great selection of classical and jazz music, ie, not just "Mozart for Dummies" type stuff ;)
The benefits for the customer (me) are obvious:
1) It would still be much easier to simply download tracks than to find compression software, type in the track information, and rip/compress the tracks myself.
2) Searching and sampling music would be much more convenient than at most stores.
3) My entire music library would be instantly accessible and more easily transferred to other media.
I hope that Rhapsody does well but I'll wait for a more flexible service, even if it costs more, before I give up the free services that work nearly as well (I miss the old Audio Galaxy, of course!).
Thanks for your time,
-Jeremy Black
Pittsburgh Symphony
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I applaud your launch of the Rhapsody service but that it still falls short of what I'd need to see to subscribe. I'd be willing to pay more, say $24.95 a month or so with a 1-yr contract, for:
1) Cutting edge compression - high quality MP4s ideally, as MP3 really does not provide a good quality/size ratio in comparison and MP4 is not platform specific.
2) Full access to the files for offline use, burning, or transfer (*NO* restrictions).
3) Request lists, especially for classical music (I understand there are licensing issues but I'm fairly sure your audiophile clientele would be willing to pay more for a great selection of classical and jazz music, ie, not just "Mozart for Dummies" type stuff
The benefits for the customer (me) are obvious:
1) It would still be much easier to simply download tracks than to find compression software, type in the track information, and rip/compress the tracks myself.
2) Searching and sampling music would be much more convenient than at most stores.
3) My entire music library would be instantly accessible and more easily transferred to other media.
I hope that Rhapsody does well but I'll wait for a more flexible service, even if it costs more, before I give up the free services that work nearly as well (I miss the old Audio Galaxy, of course!).
Thanks for your time,
-Jeremy Black
Pittsburgh Symphony
