Charles on… anything that comes along

Problems for Napster, I think. I’ve got nothing against the company, at all; I think its model has possibilities (I’ve said this) but it’s got a problem getting traction because it doesn’t have the hardware side.

So Mike Torres of Microsoft saying “The honeymoon was short but sweet.  I am no longer subscribed to Napster” has to be worrying for it.

He had problems with licences. (Err, isn’t that a Microsoft thing? I’m confused.)

OK - why cancel then?  Simple.  It didn’t always work.

This is a definite setback for Napster; a hint of what other people are going through. In my experience, and lots of other peoples’, the iPod does just work. New computer? Gotta authorise it? The dialog pops up. Couple of moments, you’re done.

I think John Gruber had it right: stores like iTunes are for picking songs, but for albums you get a physical CD, rip it, and store it somewhere else. (I know, two links to DF in a posting burst. Too much.)

Ed Bott makes similar noises. Chris Gorog, CEO of Napster and a very experienced entertainment guy, needs to spread some magic, and quick. But one suspects the company is handcuffed by the technology. The next financials will be interesting.

These posts might be related (the database thinks..):
• Napster To Go: right idea (sort of), wrong price; and broadband takeup (7 February 2005; score: 49.17%)
• Notwithstanding iTunes.. (22 July 2004; score: 42.57%)
• When readers bite (because reviewers don't) (6 November 2006; score: 42.37%)