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.
Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
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 ]
Re:
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 ]
Re: Re:
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 ]
Re: What the?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
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 ]
Re: cost?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
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 ]
Re:
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 ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
"...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 ]
Re: u twat
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Sour Grapes
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 ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
Can I get an amen??
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
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 ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
definitely
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Sour Grapes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Do the artists really care?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Do the artists really care?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Do the artists really care?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Do the artists really care?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
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 ]
Re: Re:
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
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 ]
Re: Re:
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
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 ]
Re:
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 ]
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 ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Ha ha!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
why selling a product people want isn't always rig
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 ]
The fight isn't about Piracy
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: The fight isn't about Piracy
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
foreign cheap!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Calling the kettle black
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Can't Have Your Cake...
Just thought that was ironic.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
we'll stop the RIAA the old fashioned way. by killing them and their families!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Loyal customer
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
RIAA Sucks
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Why Arent They Trying To Shut Down eMusic.com Too?
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 ]
Re: Why Arent They Trying To Shut Down eMusic.com
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Brain washer pop culture
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 ]
I seriously hope you're not really all this dumb
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 ]
Re: I seriously hope you're not really all this du
I wonder why...
(Why don't you try reading the FAQ postingds on the aomp3 website?_
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
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:
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 ]
Re: I seriously hope you're not really all this du
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 ]
Re: I seriously hope you're not really all this du
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 ]
Why AllOfMp3 is so much better than iTunes
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
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 ]
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 ]
because it just will... that's all.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
because it just will... that's all.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
because it just will... that's all.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
This again?
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 ]
Re: This again?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Ugh.
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 ]
come on people
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
The usual half truths
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 ]
It's how 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 ]
Re: It's how it should be
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 ]
and one more thing
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 ]
RIAA
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 ]
Re: RIAA
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Freemarket/Globilization Misunderstanding
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 ]
don't trust AllofMP3
They use the same laws and they are cheaper
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Whose Law Anyway
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Whose Law Anyway
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
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 ]
Re: Missing the Point
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 ]
Re: Missing the Point
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 ]
Re: Re: Missing the Point
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Missing the Point
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
kill the piracy
And it kills all the piracy shops! :)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
kill the piracy
And it kills all the piracy shops! :)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
no way - they're the same!!!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
One other thing to consider...
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 ]
Better than AllOfMp3
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Lavamus forever
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
INTERESTING
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 ]
Russian MP3 servers
cheers, Robert
htttp:www/monolake.de
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
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 ]
Re: I found the biggest mp3 site!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
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 ]
Re:
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 ]
It's fair, It's Not Fair
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
It's fair, It's Not Fair
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 ]
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 ]
Russain mp3 site
[ link to this | view in chronology ]