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sleepydvdr
July 8th, 2008, 10:47 PM
Tonight, I purchased some music from Amazon for the first time. I must say that I'm very pleased. Individual songs are 30 cents cheaper than Itunes and full album prices range from $2.99-$9.99, as compared to Itunes' flat rate of $9.99.

Best of all, the sound quality is very good (listed as 256 kbps Mp3, but I think this is a variable bitrate - not a problem, though because it sounds great). Itunes has the same bitrate, but their format is AAC, their own proprietary format. I'd much rather have a universal standard like Mp3.

Also, the songs from Amazon do not have Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM is not your friend. It's only function is to give you headaches.

Another thing that I like is that you are not forced to use any software to download. Visiting Itunes tonight, I couldn't even browse the selection because I don't have their player installed. Amazon offers an easy to use downloading app that comes in handy, but it isn't required to buy music from them.

Finally, there is a company that caught on to offering downloadable music that I'm willing to buy. I always refused to (and still do) buy music that has crappy bitrate or crippling DRM.

Amazon gets a thumbs up from me...

Amy SF
July 8th, 2008, 11:52 PM
You should consider sending your post as a testimonial email to Amazon. They should know when they're doing something right, so they can continue to do it. :yes:

sleepydvdr
July 9th, 2008, 12:23 AM
Good idea! I just sent them a message.

Positive reinforcement for companies that get it right is probably just as important as negative reinforcement for companies that don't get it right.