Not just Yahoo and Walmart -- don't forget Google Video and Microsoft's PlaysForSure (Oh, the irony in that name)
Still, the irony is that this 'workaround' (burn to disc and re-rip) wouldn't even be possible if the media companies got their way initially... and it's a bad thing nontheless -- it requires the customer to spend time and money (blank discs aren't free) to keep access to something they're honestly purchased... Provided that they 1) hear about this issue and 2) find the time to convert their entire library before the activation servers are down.
If their computer happens to have problems and needs a reinstall in the mean time, all their preciously purchased files will be worthless.
It's a big hassle, it's out of the customers control, and it costs them time and money to keep access to their purchased music -- how on earth do you not consider that a bad thing?!
Of course Walmart is completely entitled to discontinue selling DRMed music -- the more the better... But by turning off the activation servers they are essentially taking away functionality that was promised (or at least implied) when the original DRMed tracks were purchased. That's borderline fraud.
A bit strange how the article presents this as a bad thing. The Wal-Mart e-mail clearly explains how you can avoid losing the downloaded music
Still, the irony is that this 'workaround' (burn to disc and re-rip) wouldn't even be possible if the media companies got their way initially... and it's a bad thing nontheless -- it requires the customer to spend time and money (blank discs aren't free) to keep access to something they're honestly purchased... Provided that they 1) hear about this issue and 2) find the time to convert their entire library before the activation servers are down.
If their computer happens to have problems and needs a reinstall in the mean time, all their preciously purchased files will be worthless.
It's a big hassle, it's out of the customers control, and it costs them time and money to keep access to their purchased music -- how on earth do you not consider that a bad thing?!
Of course Walmart is completely entitled to discontinue selling DRMed music -- the more the better... But by turning off the activation servers they are essentially taking away functionality that was promised (or at least implied) when the original DRMed tracks were purchased. That's borderline fraud.