Recording Industry Still Trying To Shut Down Allofmp3.com

from the damn-them-for-selling-a-product-customers-want dept

Last week there was all sorts of concern from online music buyers, because the Russian download music store Allofmp3.com was offline for a few days. It came back, but it appears that the recording industry has stepped up efforts to get it shut down, claiming (once again) that it is does not pay the correct royalties, and even if it did, you shouldn't be able to download songs from it outside of Russia (others contend that downloading songs from the site is no different than going to Russia, buying legal music, and then traveling back to your country of origin -- though, that may be a stretch). They now say that prosecutions against the firm have begun. Of course, a year ago, they pushed the police to shut down the firm, and following an investigation, the police said no criminal charges would be filed. No matter what the legality of the situation is, in the Recording Industry's odd focus on how downloading is evil, they've apparently never stopped to recognize that Allofmp3.com completely disproves the basic point of their argument on copy protection. They've said for years, that without copy protection, no one would buy downloadable music, since it would all just be available for free. The fallacy, of course, is that most of that music is already available for free -- so the only thing copy protection is doing is limiting actual customers (that is, lowering the value of the music). What companies like Allofmp3.com and eMusic have shown is that there's a real market for unencumbered digital music at a reasonable price. While the industry likes to assume the worst of its customers, it's clear that many people are perfectly happy to pay a reasonable price for the music they want -- knowing that it doesn't limit them and lock them into a proprietary solution. So rather than learning from a perfect example of giving the customers what they want, and seeing that they're willing to pay for it, the industry spends all this time and effort working to shut it down.
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  • identicon
    First, 26 May 2006 @ 11:28am

    Just a quick question
    what is the difference between allofmp3.com and itunes surly they both pay royalties and they both allow downloads online?

    the only difference is in itunes DRM

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Josh, 26 May 2006 @ 12:01pm

      Re:

      The differences are pretty big. Allofmp3 allows you to buy music and albums based on file size and you get the song in the mp3 format. You can buy an entire albums for less than $2. Where as itunes gives you a proprietary music file and each song is $ .99 and albums run you $9.99.

      For the cost of 2 songs on itunes you can buy the entire CD on Allofmp3. If you increase the bit rate, it makes the files larger and the cost goes up, but doesn't come close to hitting itunes prices for an entire album.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        muntz, 27 May 2006 @ 2:24pm

        Re: Re:

        i wish itunes would offer different bitrates too. As far as allofmp3 giving me mp3s, who the hell buys that crappy format these days. i buy the same one that itunes offers (m4a) but at a higher bitrate. even vbr files are better then mp3.

        just so you know, no artist is making any kind of royalty off of allofmp3, nothing they couldn't make asking for handouts for a few hours in an urban area.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Bain, 5 Nov 2007 @ 7:25pm

      Re: What the?

      I've never been paid any royalties by allofmp3.com who are selling downloads of 100's of artists without the artists permission

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 May 2006 @ 11:58am

    The difference is HOW MUCH royalties are paid. With iTunes that cost is negotiated with the label. With AllOfMP3 it is a rate defined by Russian law, is miniscule, and the labels have no say in it.

    So, basically its Russia that decides how much any given artist gets for their work, not the artist or label or RIAA.

    Unfortunately I do think AllOfMP3 is a raw deal, and hey yes its a product I want but it certainly isnt fair for artists and labels in the US to spend millions recording and promoting a CD and then having an internet site sell the MP3s un-DRM'd for an irrelevant royalty which doesnt reflect the product quality or demand.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Ben, 26 May 2006 @ 12:33pm

      Re: cost?

      it doesnt represent demand because its DIGITAL. costs nothing to reproduce, sure the original creation cost was there but its not nearly "millions" to create music. not with software and the price of equipment coming down. sure it may cost millions to promote music, but when you have to pay radio stations to play a song what do you expect.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Michael, 26 May 2006 @ 1:20pm

      Re:

      I smell an RIAA troll posting messages in Tech Dirt.

      If the recording industry wants to increase their profits they need to do is just one thing:

      => Stop treating their customers like criminals, end the lawsuits, stop trying to kill P2P, and end the use of DRM forever!

      Then and only then will they begin to really make profits, but if they continue on their current course they will eventually become the cause of their own demise.

      Plain and simple.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      truth machine, 27 May 2006 @ 7:51am

      Re:

      It certainly isnt fair for artists and labels in the US to spend millions recording and promoting a CD and then having an internet site sell the MP3s un-DRM'd for an irrelevant royalty which doesnt reflect the product quality or demand.


      Bullpucky. AllOfMP3 reflects the market, whereas the iTunes reflects prices coerced via governmental force driven by legislators paid bribes by lobbyists. Anyone who claims to believe in free markets but sides with RIAA is a complete fraud and huckster.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      no more drama please, 31 May 2006 @ 7:11am

      Re:

      I understand your point. The point is the record company already rapes the consumers AND the artists for millions. And as far as the artists go, they aren't losing enough to worry about. The people downloading from allofmp3 wouldn't go pay the money to buy the cd or pay for the royalties...they would say screw it and find a way to get it free..or not get itat all. I don't have the money to go buy a cd or download one for a lousy 2 dollars less than it would cost at best buy. So I DON'T spend the money. However, sometimes I really want a song. When that happens I go spend $0.17 at allofmp3... if I couldn't I wouldn't buy it.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Who cares who's first, 26 May 2006 @ 11:59am

    "...surely they both pay royalties..." When you assume, you make an ass outta u and me....

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Some Guy, 26 May 2006 @ 7:57pm

      Re:

      Boy, did you miss a straight line.

      "...surely they both pay royalties..."

      The correct rejoinder to this is, "They don't pay the same royalties, and don't call me Shirley."

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      bobby, 27 May 2006 @ 5:31pm

      Re: u twat

      TWAT

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    ThoughtCancer, 26 May 2006 @ 12:09pm

    Sour Grapes

    Doesn't anyone else think that the "free market" and the "global economy" and all that BS only works for rich multinationals and not for the ordinary guy like us? I mean, companies buy there crap overseas and do business overseas all the friggin' time, so they can take advantage of things like cheaper prices, cheaper workers, no labor or environmental laws, etc. But when we the common folk use the EXACT SAME REASONING to buy goods from another country, all of a sudden the corporations freak out and want to shut us down. Tell me how music lovers buying products from another country is any different than when corporations do business in other countries?

    It's not illegal to buy music from a store in Russia and import it here. There are no laws being broken. Allofmp3 was the PERFECT example of the Global Market working as it should. We were able to get a commodity for a cheaper price, legally, and we did so, just like when Dell can get a tech support guy in India for 3 bucks a day or whatever. When are we going to stop taking this bullshit and decide whether the "free market", the "global economy", and all that other crap is for everyone, or just for the rich who can afford to buy their own politicians?

    Who's with me?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      fatpat, 26 May 2006 @ 12:29pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      I'm with you, brother.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      tdickson, 26 May 2006 @ 12:30pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      Amen to that.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      chicken_moo, 26 May 2006 @ 12:33pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      Preach it brotha...we're with ya!

      Can I get an amen??

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Ben, 26 May 2006 @ 12:36pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      God bless you. LOL, very good point.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Brad Eleven, 26 May 2006 @ 2:04pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      I'm totally with you. Right the F on.

      Consider also the US Congress' spate of indignance over one of their offices being searched with a warrant. Funny thing--when their own privileges are threatened, they rise up quickly. When it's our *rights*, they have better things to do. Like enjoying their privileges. The ones that they, themselves, have set up for themselves.

      I suppose that when you have too much money, it doesn't readily occur to you to share it. I guess there's some irresistible pull that forces you to keep trying to get more. Money. And privileges.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Dom, 26 May 2006 @ 4:51pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      That's a really really good point

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Brad, 26 May 2006 @ 6:44pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      AMEN SOUR GRAPES!!! THAT IS THE BEST ARGUEMENT I HAVE HEARD YET!!!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Rotten Grapes, 26 May 2006 @ 7:21pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      i m with you.
      definitely

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      EdB, 26 May 2006 @ 10:42pm

      Re: Sour Grapes

      Well said, and I WISH someone with a big platform would make the same point.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      elad, 27 May 2006 @ 11:48am

      Re: Sour Grapes

      Right on! Also big companies never hesitate to replace workers with new technology, but when new tech threatens their business, they hang on tooth and nail. Record companies are now irrelevant. Music can now be recorded, produced and distributed without them and for much cheaper. They are nothing but pimps and shakedown artists. Today it costs basically nothing to distibute music, that is what it shoud cost! As for greedy artists, they should be happy, like thousands of musicians would be, just that people listen to them. It didn't hurt the Grateful Dead to give it away.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Mr Rat, 30 May 2006 @ 12:02am

      Re: Sour Grapes

      I'm with you too man - these multinational blood sucking corporations cant get away with this forever, we need to take a stand NOW

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Minshi, 26 May 2006 @ 12:12pm

    Do the artists really care?

    Try and remember the Artists are getting nothing for online –sales- no matter who does the sale; the RIAA gets most of the money. I forget when it was, but at some point the RIAA decided that online music should be licensed like movie to a soundtrack, meaning the recording artists see only a single lump sum, and all profits from the online sale are the RIAAs. Now, the RIAA might have backed down from trying to enforce this, or actually stepped down, but for some reason I do not think so.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Ben, 26 May 2006 @ 12:39pm

      Re: Do the artists really care?

      I heard recently about a band, don't remember who but its a pretty famous rock band, having a dispute with their label about how much they are supposed to receive from online sales. they were saying that their contrat stated $.50 per download and the label was saying something like $.03 per sale or something weak like that.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      STJ, 26 May 2006 @ 1:35pm

      Re: Do the artists really care?

      Downloading music is the way of the future. If artists aren't getting a cut, they should rise up against RIAA. But that would mean no one would be backing RIAA and they would be all alone.. hmm, no to bad of an idea.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Steve, 27 May 2006 @ 8:44am

      Re: Do the artists really care?

      Thats rubbish. From allofmp3.com they get no money - from itunes they get around 5-10%, depending on who you ask. 5-10% of millions of sales is far better than 0% of million of sales. But hey, I just De-DRM the music that streams from Napster.... untracable, and technically covered under fair use rights. :-)

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Yakov, 26 May 2006 @ 12:32pm

    This is funny. Unless you all are living in a fantasy world, and haven't figured out that the ONLY way allofmp3.com exists is because it is mobbed up and the Russian government officials are on the take, so are the russian cops. So I wish RIAA all the luck in the world trying to fight the Russian mob. First this is a fight they can't win, and will end badly for the two morons running the RIAA. Best case scenario (for the RIAA) is that the status quo is mantained. Worst case -- well many scenes from the Godfather come to mind -- ohh, and the Russian mob has proven to be a lot more vicious than the Casa Nostra ever was -- good luck the RIAA -- watching a bully fight wind mills is always fun -- very different than suing 12 year old gilrs.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Rikko, 26 May 2006 @ 1:32pm

      Re:

      I find it sad that I'm more inclined to throw my money at the ethically backrupt Russian mobsters than at the ethically bankrupt corporate swine.
      And you know what? Honestly? if the Russian mob were to kill a lot of the RIAA big wigs, not only would I not care, I'd be THRILLED.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      tom golstch, 26 May 2006 @ 1:42pm

      Re:

      Yes, if it is in Russia, it is most definitely controlled by the "mob".
      We all know this from watching law and order and csi crime shows.
      I am quite sure that the "mob" involved in narco tracffic etc., ad
      naseum, is staying awake at night counting the tens of dollars they are getting from allofmp3. Why not post that allofmp3 is somehow involved
      in kiddie porno, like Jack valenti stated at a congressional hearing that mp3 sites are riddled with kiddie porno, or that downloading mp3's for free encourages alien lifeforms a backdoor to take over the planet
      earth.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        boris, 26 Sep 2006 @ 11:37am

        Re: Re:

        kiddia porno??? are u kidin' allofmp3 is a great i use them for a 2 years and no problemanother great site is lavamus they even accept paypal! no tricks!

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    quantumpsych, 26 May 2006 @ 12:35pm

    i'm with ThoughtCancer 100%. the labels are just advertising firms, and their ad's are singles. we like the ad, we buy the product in the form of CD's and merch. bands get their money from shows but the labels are changing contract structure to take care of that little "problem".

    so in summation, FUCK THE LABELS... no one would shed a tear if they all went bankrupt. they stifle creative expression FAR more often than they allow it to thrive.

    allofmp3.com is a God-send and yes, a perfect example of when free-market works for the everyday consumer.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      AZRecords, 5 Jun 2008 @ 10:25am

      Re:

      I run a small independent label and these Russian mp3 sites have stolen our artists music and are selling it for pennies and we have been fighting to get it down with no luck.

      Small labels going bankrupt is bad you moron they are the ones that get little known bands out to be heard.

      All of you idiots want to pay nothing for the music and don't realize that it costs quite a bit of money to make. We are trying to make a fucking living and produce good new music for the fucking people that want to hear music. With sites like that not paying us royalties we are losing money. With small record labels you hardly make any profit on cds.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    quantumpsych, 26 May 2006 @ 12:35pm

    i'm with ThoughtCancer 100%. the labels are just advertising firms, and their ad's are singles. we like the ad, we buy the product in the form of CD's and merch. bands get their money from shows but the labels are changing contract structure to take care of that little "problem".

    so in summation, FUCK THE LABELS... no one would shed a tear if they all went bankrupt. they stifle creative expression FAR more often than they allow it to thrive.

    allofmp3.com is a God-send and yes, a perfect example of when free-market works for the everyday consumer.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    quantumpsych, 26 May 2006 @ 12:38pm

    have a good weekend every body and AMEN!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    BigMatt, 26 May 2006 @ 12:39pm

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Angry Rivethead, 26 May 2006 @ 12:47pm

    Ha ha!

    Maybe the Russian mob will give the RIAA the punishment what we've all fantisized about...

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Ben, 26 May 2006 @ 12:47pm

    why selling a product people want isn't always rig

    I'm all for cheap/free music, and im with ThoughtCancer 100% but the statement "damn-them-for-selling-a-product-customers-want" doesnt always apply. there are people who want to buy drugs, im sure TechDirt wouldn't approve of that... Or would you Mike?

    Hah, just kidding around alittle Mike, but seriously, ThoughtCancer makes a great point, why can't we buy cheaper in another country to get cheaper products just like the Corps do?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Jamie, 26 May 2006 @ 12:52pm

    The fight isn't about Piracy

    This example just goes to prove what many have been saying all along. The fight against online music isn't about piracy, it's about control. As long as the big labels, represented by the RIAA, don't control the system they will fight it. So even if they can make more money by embracing online music, they won't do it, because then the artists and the fans might not need the them anymore.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Rolex0r, 26 May 2006 @ 1:05pm

    foreign cheap!

    I bought a $10 Rolex in China WOOHOO! Now where are those Russian MP3s????!!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Chineese Tradesman, 26 May 2006 @ 1:19pm

    Calling the kettle black

    It's only a matter of time before someone in china opens up a store like this. The RIAA doesn't dare try to take on China with it selling DVD's, Music CD's, and any other type of media made in other countries for pennys. You can buy movies for 1 buck.... Take on China First RIAA before you take on Russia. You'll most likely get your nose broke in Russia and thrown in jail in china if you try this. Your a bunch of money hungry bastards... Sorry had to say that. The only way musicians make money is when they go on tour. Not through crappy music sales from Itunes or CD's.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Sean, 26 May 2006 @ 2:23pm

    Can't Have Your Cake...

    The same companies that outsource work to other countries to save money, are bitching about people buying "stuff" from other countries to save money.

    Just thought that was ironic.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    anonymous coward, 26 May 2006 @ 2:40pm

    Russian Mob v. RIAA Mob. This could be interesting. I'm hoping for an RIAA bloodbath.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    quantumpsych, 26 May 2006 @ 2:41pm

    life is rich with irony aint it?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    anonymous coward, 26 May 2006 @ 2:42pm

    every time you download a song from allofmp3.com you buy the russian mob another bullet to shoot at an RIAA executive, so download those songs NOW!

    we'll stop the RIAA the old fashioned way. by killing them and their families!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Kayne, 26 May 2006 @ 5:37pm

    Loyal customer

    As a long-time customer, I'm happy to see that AllofMp3.com continues to flourish despite the efforts of the RIAA. Most of the music I purchase isn't produced where I live, and I refuse to support a system that prosecutes it's own customers while producing vapid, meaningless "hits". I won't purchase DRM-encumbered music because it doesn't respect my usage model - my music, wherever I happen to be, whenever I want to listen.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Tyson, 26 May 2006 @ 6:35pm

    RIAA Sucks

    i support AllOfMP3 100% for what they are doing, its fully legal under russian laws and there not milking there members at all, i also give major propz to them for being an awsome music service, im sure they make a nice ammount of cash but they aint money hungery! im so sick of hearing things about the RIAA trying to change other countrys laws so they can make more money, it just goes to show how money hungry they truly are, they can never get enough of it! also i wish the RIAA/MPAA and any other stupid association like that to realize that U.S laws dont rule and or think there better than other countrys laws just cause there the USA, Remember ur not the only country on this peice of rock people!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Brad, 26 May 2006 @ 6:51pm

    Why Arent They Trying To Shut Down eMusic.com Too?

    If you get the premium membership to eMusic.com you get 90 downloads for 20 bucks. This equates to each track being worth about 22 cents which is roughly the same price allofmp3 charges for a high bitrate track.

    No one is beating down eMusic's door trying to shut them down. Why arent they? The only difference between eMusic and allofmp3 is that eMusic caps you at 90 downloads a month (Which is plenty!!) I honestly cant figure out what trouble everyone has with allofmp3.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Ken, 26 May 2006 @ 7:22pm

      Re: Why Arent They Trying To Shut Down eMusic.com

      The RIAA doesn't go after eMusic.com because eMusic doesn't carry any artists under RIAA control. eMusic only carries indie labels and artists. Pray that artists will get smarter and stop signing with the big labels and put their art on eMusic. I think it will start to happen soon. Maybe some of those Canadian artists that hate the RIAA or CRIA.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Brain washed, 26 May 2006 @ 6:52pm

    Brain washer pop culture

    The problem is with the RIAA nazi tactics. We forget to realize the crap that you are paying for buy purchacing and MP3 online ie. compressed crap no case, no cd, no cover art, no packaging, no trucks to ship, no sales person etc.
    Also a store bought cd is $13 with on average 10 -15 songs
    You do the math and tell me 99 cents is a good deal and ill let the NSA help me pay my phone bills since they are using my phone number too. ;)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Rich, 26 May 2006 @ 7:06pm

    I seriously hope you're not really all this dumb

    You schmucks probably don't realise this, but the greater majority of the artists don't get a dime out of allofmp3's sales. At least with iTunes and Napster the artists are *actually* recieving some money, rather than it going straight into the Russian government's pockets.

    Sure, I don't approve of the RIAA's tactics, but the reason why they are trying to shut them down is the whole reason why the RIAA started up: to protect the rights of the record companies, and therefore the artist.

    I find it even more hilarious you think that 99 cents is set due to the RIAA - you're forgetting the money goes into the record companies pockets, not the RIAA's. The only thing the RIAA do is battle for the Recording companies in a law sense.

    The physical difference between allofmp3 and downloading it from a p2p site is you're paying money to them. Really. The artist is STILL not seeing a dime of your hard-earned cash.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Sam, 27 May 2006 @ 1:28am

      Re: I seriously hope you're not really all this du

      The Amercian artists WOULD get royalties from aomp3 sales if they registered with the Russian copyright agency ROM, but their American labels encourage them NOT to do this.

      I wonder why...

      (Why don't you try reading the FAQ postingds on the aomp3 website?_

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Jim Hill, 27 May 2006 @ 7:16am

      Re: I seriously hope you're not really all this du

      Here's the problem: you might be painting an accurate picture.

      But the record companies have told so many lies, and screwed so many artists, that no one will take their or their industry association's word for anything. If they *really* had a strong ethical position, they could simply open their books and show where the various pieces of the iTunes $0.99 goes. They could put a link up, do business transparently, and permanently, completely shut down the doubters.

      That would cost them a lot of money. They don't want to do that. They want to lie and screw people and pay no penalty and have people still trust them. They're lying in the filthy bed they made and complaining that it stinks.

      Maybe the russian mob really are making money off $0.07 song downloads. Maybe the profit margins on $0.07 songs really are high enough to attract mafia-style criminals. If that's true, then, when you compare that to the $0.99 price at iTMS, and the even higher prices the RIAA tried to demand do you have any questions?

      Here, fill in the blanks:

      1. $0.99 download
      2. ______ cost of sales
      3. ______ insane, criminal profits stolen from RIAA members
      4. $0.07 sum of (2) and (3) above.
      5. $0.92 per download stolen from the artists.

      If the RIAA and their shills and plants and toadies are actually telling the truth, the artists are seeing well over ten times the criminally insane profits those bad russians at allofmp3 are reaping.

      But as I say, nobody with two neurons to rub together believes you.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      truth machine, 27 May 2006 @ 8:00am

      Re: I seriously hope you're not really all this du

      I don't approve of the RIAA's tactics, but the reason why they are trying to shut them down is the whole reason why the RIAA started up: to protect the rights of the record companies, and therefore the artist.


      No, you RIAA troll, the RIAA started up to protect the INTERESTS of the record companies, and their interests are to make as much money as possible, with no regard for either artists or consumers.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      record producer, 4 Jun 2006 @ 12:05pm

      Re: I seriously hope you're not really all this du

      The RIAA IS owned by the record labels. Read their charter well on www.riaa.com. Although they try to hide it, it's there. It is NOT a charity or public foundation. The RIAA is a chartered corporation, period.

      btw, I've been a record producer for over 30 years, a former RIAA 'member' and know very well of which I speak. I now produce and market directly for musicians. 'Nuff said!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    I don't want the RIAA to sue me, 26 May 2006 @ 7:29pm

    Why AllOfMp3 is so much better than iTunes

    AllOfMp3 downloads are not copy-protected, which I like because it makes it easier for me to put my own music on any of my own devices that I want. They also allow you to download songs in a multitude of audio file formats and bitrates. That is one reason why they charge based on sizes, since diffenet audio formats and bitrates produce different file sizes. I would gladly pay more for their service. Why can't the RIAA try to negotiate with AllOfMp3.com to make their service "more legal"?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Coocoo, 26 May 2006 @ 7:34pm

    Is not the RIAA an arm of the recording industry controlled by said industry. Then would it not be true that when they tried to strongarm Apple to raise its prices and make more popular music an even higher price then normal music, due to the grand piracy (Propaganda) and their small earning on internet music sales "Laugh" that they are using the RIAA as a price check tool with threats of legal action

    SHOW ME THE BLING BLING YO

    Better quality product more choice LOSSLESS format at low low prices
    The ALLOFMP3 structure wold make a killing for them if they would fallow the same setup and put money towards the artist (NOT Hillary Duff and her alike no talent blowup dolls ) and cut out the Roaches and fatcats

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Coocoo, 26 May 2006 @ 7:34pm

    Is not the RIAA an arm of the recording industry controlled by said industry. Then would it not be true that when they tried to strongarm Apple to raise its prices and make more popular music an even higher price then normal music, due to the grand piracy (Propaganda) and their small earning on internet music sales "Laugh" that they are using the RIAA as a price check tool with threats of legal action

    SHOW ME THE BLING BLING YO

    Better quality product more choice LOSSLESS format at low low prices
    The ALLOFMP3 structure wold make a killing for them if they would fallow the same setup and put money towards the artist (NOT Hillary Duff and her alike no talent blowup dolls ) and cut out the Roaches and fatcats

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Economic Darwinism Will Trump those Whiny RIAA swi, 26 May 2006 @ 7:50pm

    because it just will... that's all.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Economic Darwinism Will Trump those Whiny RIAA swi, 26 May 2006 @ 8:04pm

    because it just will... that's all.

    People will decide with the dollars that they spend what model they deem to support. I for one would rather see the Artist earn their better dollar through live performances. It's a tangible service - if you want to watch and listen pay for admittance. Ever since the record people realized that a bottle of liquor and a hooker could ply an old bluesman from his sacred hymns, they have made it a science to rip off the artists, and then later, sell us marketing pitches disguised as music. I say let the RIAA have their boy - bands let them charge $4.99 for songs like ..."Girl, You Make Me Wanna Feel Your Love Forever And A Day OOh Yeahh!". Let 12 year olds who dont know any better support this trendy trash. A day will come however when no one wants to have anything to do with that soulless backwash. And then The RIAA will take their rightful place on the streetcorner eating out of dumpsters and whistling at passersby looking for an easy five or ten bucks.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Economic Darwinism Will Trump those Whiny RIAA swi, 26 May 2006 @ 8:05pm

    because it just will... that's all.

    People will decide with the dollars that they spend what model they deem to support. I for one would rather see the Artist earn their better dollar through live performances. It's a tangible service - if you want to watch and listen pay for admittance. Ever since the record people realized that a bottle of liquor and a hooker could ply an old bluesman from his sacred hymns, they have made it a science to rip off the artists, and then later, sell us marketing pitches disguised as music. I say let the RIAA have their boy - bands let them charge $4.99 for songs like ..."Girl, You Make Me Wanna Feel Your Love Forever And A Day OOh Yeahh!". Let 12 year olds who dont know any better support this trendy trash. A day will come however when no one wants to have anything to do with that soulless backwash. And then The RIAA will take their rightful place on the streetcorner eating out of dumpsters and whistling at passersby looking for an easy five or ten bucks.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Tim Arview, 26 May 2006 @ 9:15pm

    This again?

    You know, it's getting to be a rather tired rant when you go on and on about "the industry." Most people on the Internet are opposed to copy protection, so such an article is rarely going to be contested.

    So what's the point? Why post an article complaining about something most people don't like.

    "I don't like crime." Hey, that'd make a great article! Come on. Find something new to talk about or don't talk at all.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      truth machine, 27 May 2006 @ 8:04am

      Re: This again?

      If you don't like it you don't have to read it, Tim Arhole.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Davis, 26 May 2006 @ 9:33pm

    Ugh.

    They have a point about travelling to Russia.

    Imagine you are a TCP packet, you travel to your local router, then to your ISP's menagerie of routers, through an array of networks, arrive at a Russian mp3 website's network, place an order, and return home the same way with the goods. That's exactly like travelling to Russia. You just did it faster.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    jonathan, 26 May 2006 @ 9:38pm

    come on people

    Artists only get a few cents per song maybe even less in royaltys the rest goes to the gready record labels, bands only make money in live shows and other merch and thats a fact.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Julian Bond, 27 May 2006 @ 12:51am

    The usual half truths

    Ah, well, the same old arguments.

    I wish somebody would do the research to actually follow the money. AllOfMp3 claim to pay royalties to ROMS. ROMS claim to pay royalties to the copyright owners. Does this actually happen? How much money changes hands?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    benthere, 27 May 2006 @ 4:42am

    It's how it should be

    When you buy lossless at allofmp3.com, you pay about $16-19. Lossless = CD Quality. When you buy the compressed versions you pay less, as it should be.

    iTunes is a big fat ripoff, which is why I've never bought from them in the first place.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      I Buy Music, 27 May 2006 @ 4:48pm

      Re: It's how it should be

      you pay about $16-19. Lossless = CD

      You are absolutely correct. It's also plausible to say that by being DRM free it is essential as if you own the CD since you can rip it or play it anywhere you want. iTunes is a ripoff but at least they are trying. Hopefully demand for sites/services like AllOfMp3 will force a change in the pay download industry that will better server customers. Until then keep downloading...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    benthere, 27 May 2006 @ 4:56am

    and one more thing

    Artists get an average of $0.03 on every dollar of album sales.

    They'd turn a better profit if they gave away their mp3s on their website and took donations. Seriously.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    gkiefferjfk2, 27 May 2006 @ 3:24pm

    RIAA

    There are some things that i will fork over the $$ for.
    BUT the way music downloading is today for the pricy pay services
    and they have HUGE LIMITS... I will forever grab the FREE MUSIC every way possible. THIS GOOD - OLD BOY's internet broadcasting will still get FREE no matter how.
    PLUS if you really think about it.... RIAA SUPPORTS FOR MONOPOLY RADIO STATIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
    RESULTS: If they do not like a song = THEY BAN IT.
    If they feel it isn't in the right language or it's naughty language = THEY BAN IT.
    If they feel the music is not in good taste [ie pokes fun at certain people for sending many others to war] = THEY BAN IT.

    INDEPENDENT INTERNET RADIO = If i like it... NO MATTER WHAT IT IS.... It gets played no matter what.
    I DO NOT ACCEPT PAYOLA or anything else that will ever interfere with my enjoyment to broadcast FREE MUSIC on the internet.

    [[[If you can't afford to buy the HUGE RESTRICTIVE MUSIC you don't need to be broadcasting it THUS only those radio stations that have the HUGE ENOUGH $$ BUDGET can afford
    to buy all of their music and stay online / on the air]]]

    NOW THINK ABOUT THAT ONE.....

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      |333173|3|_||3, 29 May 2006 @ 11:05pm

      Re: RIAA

      There is no moral difference between recording internet streaming audio from an internet radio station(which I do as a matter of course) and recording off of a terrestrial radio station.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    DJ, 28 May 2006 @ 6:46am

    Freemarket/Globilization Misunderstanding

    The prior postings commenting that allofmp3 is just like outsourcing or freemarket capitalism misses a fundamental point about intellectual property. The whole premise behind IP protection is that you don't have a freemarket or, otherwise, the IP has virtually no resale value to the person who created it. Otherwise, the only $ value of a work of art or software is its reproduction cost. A totally free IP market doesn't result in an efficient market; it results in all IP being free (or just being sold for a nominal value to cover the medium costs, i.e. the cost of the CD-R cotaining the bootlegged copy of Windows and maybe a few bucks to the guy with the street stall on Khoa San Rd). In comparison, a free global market for goods and services (computers from China, tech support from India) often results in a more efficient allocation of resources.

    That being said, I despise the RIAA and think the industry has done a terrible job with handling DLing. I also think the entire major label music distribution industry is a cancer that I hope the internet kills.

    Some sort of balance needs to be struck to protect artists, while avoiding a freemarket in IP.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    musicnerd, 28 May 2006 @ 4:01pm

    don't trust AllofMP3

    I'm tired of all the problems around allofmp3. They do not give me my money back, do not let me download music. So I've researched a little and found a new service similar to aom at www.mp3sale.ru
    They use the same laws and they are cheaper

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    |333173|3|_||3, 28 May 2006 @ 11:40pm

    Whose Law Anyway

    Maybe some internationally recognised body such as the UN ahould decide whose law an internet slae operates under, since it could be under

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    1. identicon
      |333173|3|_||3, 28 May 2006 @ 11:45pm

      Whose Law Anyway

      Maybe the UN or someone else should decide whose law an internet sale operates under, since if sokmeone in coujntry A, whom is a citizen of Country B, is connected through an ISPs server in Country C, while the ISP is located in Country D, to a company's server in country E, while the company is besed in country F, with a bank account in Country G, and the goods delivered to anaddress in country H owned by a resident of Coujntry I, there are nine countries involved. This could keep the lawyers busy for years to decide on the implications, especially with the various traeties between countries.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    2. identicon
      revere, 31 May 2006 @ 4:11am

      the russian ruble is worth nothing outside of russia which would probably make a big difference to the royalties...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    3. identicon
      J M, 2 Jun 2006 @ 3:31pm

      Missing the Point

      I still think a lot of you are missing the point.

      Yes. We all hate the big bad record companies that really are ripping off the artists. BUT... you still need to recognize that when you download from AllOfMp3.com and the Torrent sites, etc., you are basically involving yourself in some portion of the theft that is being committed.

      The artist is not going to see any money when you download that song. Even though the record company is ripping off the artist and only paying them 3 cents for an album sale from a store or from iTunes, etc., its still a transaction the artist agreed to at some point.

      Basically, downloading that track from AllOfMp3.com is the same as walking into a liquor store and walking out with a candy bar you didn't pay for.

      Now... given that... its a moral question you have to reconcile with when you download for free or from the Russian Mob for a small fee. If you don't believe you're going to hell by committing this crime, however few people might be harmed by it, then that's your business and your dilemma.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Blackadar, 8 Jun 2006 @ 7:28pm

        Re: Missing the Point

        Sorry, I reject this completely. Simply put, AllofMP3 has been found to be legal in Russia. I'm buying a product, produced legally, from another country. Period. There's no theft whatsoever. Just because Russian copyright law isn't the same as US copyright law doesn't mean I'm bound to follow US law whenever and wherever I purchase a product.

        As much as the RIAA wants to complain (and their apologists), this is their problem, not mine. It's their responsiblity to change the laws in Russia, not mine. When they get the laws changed, if AllofMP3 doesn't comply, then I'll stop using the service. Until then, I'll enjoy globalization working in my favor for once.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Blackadar, 8 Jun 2006 @ 7:28pm

        Re: Missing the Point

        Sorry, I reject this completely. Simply put, AllofMP3 has been found to be legal in Russia. I'm buying a product, produced legally, from another country. Period. There's no theft whatsoever. Just because Russian copyright law isn't the same as US copyright law doesn't mean I'm bound to follow US law whenever and wherever I purchase a product.

        As much as the RIAA wants to complain (and their apologists), this is their problem, not mine. It's their responsiblity to change the laws in Russia, not mine. When they get the laws changed, if AllofMP3 doesn't comply, then I'll stop using the service. Until then, I'll enjoy globalization working in my favor for once.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          DJ, 14 Jun 2006 @ 8:15am

          Re: Re: Missing the Point

          I understand what you're trying to say, but it is actually illegal under US law to import copyrighted or patented works even if those works are produced in countries in which it is legal. Otherwise copyrights and patents wouldn't mean much if all you had to do was produce them on soil outside the US and then you were free to import them into US consumers.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

          • identicon
            Nainai, 30 Aug 2006 @ 1:53am

            Re: Re: Re: Missing the Point

            Okkkk it is legal to import copyright/trademarked items into the US, as long as it's a genuine copy, meaning they have the licensing permission. And travellers are given an exemption, and are allowed one item of each type once every 30 days according to www.cbp.gov

            link to this | view in chronology ]

    4. identicon
      Anton, 15 Jun 2006 @ 2:44am

      kill the piracy

      The really first legal on-line music store opened in Russia. The www.audiofind.ru
      And it kills all the piracy shops! :)

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    5. identicon
      Anton, 15 Jun 2006 @ 2:44am

      kill the piracy

      The really first legal on-line music store opened in Russia. The www.audiofind.ru
      And it kills all the piracy shops! :)

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    6. identicon
      Danni B., 23 Jun 2006 @ 12:04pm

      One other thing to consider...

      IF Itunes and others would be bothered to give us access to other places music, more people would be continuing to download from them. However, how many times have any of you tried to get a song only to have it come up and say you can't access Itunes in England or elsewhere?

      Many of us are ecclectic music acquiring critters. I love music from everywhere. Some of my greatest discoveries have been from another country.

      I buy CD's for my favorite bands here to support them. I use Itunes for some things and I like the features of being able to acquire great music from other cultures via the Russian site. If they want more then they need to give more.

      Yay for capitalism!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    7. identicon
      musicnerd, 2 Jul 2006 @ 9:20am

      Better than AllOfMp3

      I'm tired of all the problems around allofmp3. They do not give me my money back, do not let me download music. So I've researched a little and found a new service similar to aom at www.mp3sale.ru They use the same laws and they are cheaper

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    8. identicon
      rubbie, 12 Oct 2006 @ 5:28am

      Lavamus forever

      Boris, all of mp - must die During last two years I use only Lavamus.com. Huge archive of music of any direction. Songs on 10-30 cents. Has spent already the order of 500 dollars. I wish to learn, somebody used Lavamus.com?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    9. identicon
      manlaw, 30 Oct 2006 @ 9:46pm

      I see this is going to be the next Napster. We can complain all we want about its legality and why it is fair, but at the end, it will get shut down. The recording industry wont rest till its down. What a shame.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    10. identicon
      drumdr, 13 Nov 2006 @ 10:34am

      INTERESTING

      Speaking about Copywrite laws...

      How about Wal-Mart selling DVD's? I purchased a DVD, (Dante's Peak) at Wal-Mart the other day, read the back, and found a misspelling of the word "devestating". The DVD is labled with Universal Studios' logo and copywrite stamp.

      Now tell me Universal is producing a sucky product, with misspelled words on the back cover! I don't think so. So Wal-Mart is purchasing illegal, reproduced products from another country, breaking the copywrite reproduction law, and selling them in America! If they can do this, why can't ALLOFMP3.com do what they're doing? Freakin Retarded. I hope Universal Studios sues Wally-Worlds pants off.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    11. identicon
      Robert Henke, 30 Nov 2006 @ 3:21am

      Russian MP3 servers

      i run an independend record label. i make records. all i can say is: we do not get any money from any russian mp3 site offering my tracks illegally. not one cent. and no other label or artist i know does. period. make up your mind about paying criminals like Lavamus...

      cheers, Robert
      htttp:www/monolake.de

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    12. identicon
      Kontro, 24 Feb 2007 @ 9:14am

      I found the biggest mp3 site!

      Hi all! I found the biggest mp3 site!
      And name of this mp3 site is http://justmusicstore.com/ Tons of rare mp3 music. Many mp3 mix and mp3 remix. No DRM. Price start from 0.11$ About 2 000 000 mp3's online. Recommended. I recommended this site to all my friend. By girlfriend also use this site. Best.
      MP3 Forever

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    13. identicon
      xesive, 26 Mar 2007 @ 7:54am

      I’ve discovered site iomoio.com, which I guess is analog of allOfmp3.com. Their pricing strategy is like $0.15 per track no matter what size and bit rate it is.
      When you register you get $0.30 deposited to your account as they say “to check out the quality of our services for free”.
      Also they give 100% bonuses on deposits made by Credit Card starting from 20 USD (pay $20 get $40 added to your balance; $30 = $60 etc.).
      Other rather eye-catching thing is their “Daily Bonus” scheme, they say; make a payment for e.g. $20 and get $0.02 added to your balance daily, make another payment of $30 and your bonus amount will increase to $0.05 daily.
      Concerning legality of this site: The availability over the Internet of the Iomoio.com materials is authorized by the license # 33/3M-06 of the Rightholders Federation for Collective Copyright Management of Works Used Interactively (Russian Organization which they pay Royalties to).
      Ok, their services might be legal for Russians, but is it legal to use their services in US, UK and other European countries? Actually yes it does mean they are legal in the US and UK, in that music you download is considered legally licensed for personal use, and you can’t legally be prevented from purchasing in this way.
      This is because of the Berne convention as administered by the WIPO, and WTO requirements.
      I quote "...any country that is a signatory of the convention is awarded the same rights in all other
      Countries that are signatories to the Convention as they allow their own nationals, as well as any rights granted by the Convention"
      The pigopolist record companies don’t like it because it cuts them out of the loop - the money paid for licenses goes directly to artists! Therefore they do a 'Bush' and lie through their teeth even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary in the hope that you believe them and use their preferred overpriced and DRM crippled services.
      Correct me if I’m wrong.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        robert Henke, 30 Mar 2007 @ 5:16am

        Re:

        THE MONEY GOES DIRECTLY TO THE ARTIST ????

        Are you nuts ???

        All i find there are bad encodings of my music and i do not get one single dime for it and no other artist i know?

        And if you think i am one of the big bad guys have a look at my website. You will not find any bad record industry there, just someone who knows the shit from the inside....

        If all you are interested in is stealing music and support criminals, go on and buy there. But do not tell anyone about the BAD RECORD INDUSTRY and ALL THE MONEY GOES TO THE ARTISTS. It is just a damn lie.

        Robert Henke
        www.monolake.de

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    14. identicon
      fruit cakes..., 21 May 2007 @ 11:33pm

      It's fair, It's Not Fair

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    15. identicon
      fruit cakes..., 21 May 2007 @ 11:36pm

      It's fair, It's Not Fair

      Artists may only be getting a small portion of the money that they (Sadly) should be getting since it IS their work and they are entitled to the money... but if the IRAA takes allofmp3.com down totally, think of HOW MANY people will switch to P2P utilities like limewire...
      That little amount they make is better than NOTHING!
      Frankly I do fell bad "ripping off" these rappers and singers...
      I mean, not because they NEED the money, but because they are essentiall getting cheater...
      But if you think about it, half these singers came from the ghetto (as they claim so boldly in their songs) and made absolutly nothing there...
      Heck, 2 million may not be as good as 20 million $ but its better than 6.25 an hour...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    16. identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 31 May 2007 @ 7:09am

      how often do i need to repeat this:

      ARTIST DO _NOT_ GET MONEY FROM THOSE GUYS AT ALL.

      want examples: http://www.monolake.de/downloads/organised_piracy.html

      R.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    17. identicon
      andrew, 4 Jul 2007 @ 1:30pm

      Russain mp3 site

      most other russain mp3 stores are cheaper then allofmp3 and yet works. see my lens at hubpages http://hubpages.com/hub/russianmp3site

      link to this | view in chronology ]


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