Paying for downloads - kiss my butt...

zetec · 14-11-2005, 11:06 PM

I just have something to get off my chest here :evil3:

I am putting together a windows Movie Maker video (I LOVE that program) on a trip I had to Sydney Motorshow with some guys from work, showing all our happy moments and big nights out, the cars, the lot. I have a perfect selection of songs for it but had to track down one of the songs of the trip, Lionel Ritchie's "Dancing on the Ceiling". (long story)

After scouring the CD collection and not finding it, then wanting to do the right thing, I decided to try the old pay-per-download that I've been hearing about all these years. Gave my Kazaa and Napster and Imesh days away years ago.

So I pay my $1.69 for the track on I-Tunes after downloading the program, pain free, quick as the Minginator when an EPA truck appears down the street. I play it, it works, loving life.

I then import it into Windows movie maker, only to discover of course that the file I've paid for I can only use in I-tunes and is a .m4p or some bull. Not Happy Jan

out: A google search turns up that it's hard to convert it so I give up.

I then try Bigpond thinking (stupidly) that they'd have .mp3's. I download their version, pay $1.89 (bloody Telstra they even have to overprice their music downloads!!!) only to discover it's in .wma format and whilst I can convert it, that's still not super easy and more hassle than it's worth.

I'm now $3.58 poorer, frustrated, ****ed off and I swear never to give a cent to these ripoff merchants ever again. Where's the logic in doiong the right thing only to get shafted?!! They seem to have such an intense distrust that evn the small portion of people stupid/honest enough to pay still can't use the tracks freely.

Well Telstra and Apple, kiss my blue-blooded butt, stick your proprietary rubbish up you nostrils and I vow never to pay for a download again when I can easily source .mp3's anytime anywhere (at least from known sources) for free.

: If you genuinely wanted to support the artists you'd make it attractive and easier for us to use somehow, I don't care how. There HAS to be enough nerds sitting in offices somewhere getting paid $1.50 comission per download to work out a better way. Until then I'll spend my hard earned money on better things like buying fuel, beer and other such beneficial things.

vztrt · 14-11-2005, 11:16 PM

Goto Downloads.Com and find a wma to mp3 convertor. There not big files and a shareware verion will do what you want. Either that or download the blasted thing using Limewire.

Pieoter · 14-11-2005, 11:18 PM

Get razorlame

Paxton · 14-11-2005, 11:20 PM

iTunes songs, bought from the iTMS are encoded with FairPlay, which is DRM, protecting the songs from being pirated. You are also using windose movie maker, which (windose also) doesn't like AAC formatted songs, and therefore won't play, or import the song. Try to make the movie with iMovie, and you can use your song, and make your movie.

VZTRT, there are no programs that are known of to crack 'FairPlay', and the songs from iTMS are in AAC, not wmp, so your converter won't work anyway.

zetec · 14-11-2005, 11:22 PM

I shouldn't have to download half an orchard if I want to run Apple files though!!!!

Ghiadude · 14-11-2005, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

I just have something to get off my chest here :evil3:

I am putting together a windows Movie Maker video (I LOVE that program) on a trip I had to Sydney Motorshow with some guys from work, showing all our happy moments and big nights out, the cars, the lot. I have a perfect selection of songs for it but had to track down one of the songs of the trip, Lionel Ritchie's "Dancing on the Ceiling". (long story)

After scouring the CD collection and not finding it, then wanting to do the right thing, I decided to try the old pay-per-download that I've been hearing about all these years. Gave my Kazaa and Napster and Imesh days away years ago.

So I pay my $1.69 for the track on I-Tunes after downloading the program, pain free, quick as the Minginator when an EPA truck appears down the street. I play it, it works, loving life.

I then import it into Windows movie maker, only to discover of course that the file I've paid for I can only use in I-tunes and is a .m4p or some bull. Not Happy Jan

out: A google search turns up that it's hard to convert it so I give up.

I then try Bigpond thinking (stupidly) that they'd have .mp3's. I download their version, pay $1.89 (bloody Telstra they even have to overprice their music downloads!!!) only to discover it's in .wma format and whilst I can convert it, that's still not super easy and more hassle than it's worth.

I'm now $3.58 poorer, frustrated, ****ed off and I swear never to give a cent to these ripoff merchants ever again. Where's the logic in doiong the right thing only to get shafted?!! They seem to have such an intense distrust that evn the small portion of people stupid/honest enough to pay still can't use the tracks freely.

Well Telstra and Apple, kiss my blue-blooded butt, stick your proprietary rubbish up you nostrils and I vow never to pay for a download again when I can easily source .mp3's anytime anywhere (at least from known sources) for free.

: If you genuinely wanted to support the artists you'd make it attractive and easier for us to use somehow, I don't care how. There HAS to be enough nerds sitting in offices somewhere getting paid $1.50 comission per download to work out a better way. Until then I'll spend my hard earned money on better things like buying fuel, beer and other such beneficial things.

dude thats hillarious!!

Steffo · 14-11-2005, 11:27 PM

Are you sure the wma won't work? WMA = Windows Media Audio. Seems strange that their own file wouldn't work with Windows Movie Maker...

Paxton · 14-11-2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

I shouldn't have to download half an orchard if I want to run Apple files though!!!!

Download, iMovie - only of you have a Mac. There is NO WAY that iMovie will work on your other box, without Mac OSX. Your negativity towards Apple is disturbing. Just answer me this; which program was easier to use, iTms or Telecom's music store?

To get your song, download Limewire, and download the song. It is the easiest way. Even with the iTms, I still download music - Old Habits die hard.

vztrt · 14-11-2005, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paxtonandrew

VZTRT, there are no programs that are known of to crack 'FairPlay', and the songs from iTMS are in AAC, not wmp, so your converter won't work anyway.

I guarantee that someone has broken it, but you wouldn't be able to download a convertor for it.

Just use limewire to download the song. If you buy plenty of albums than you shouldn't have a problem downloading songs.

max^power · 14-11-2005, 11:43 PM

If you've already paid for the song in one format, it should be permitted to get the file in another format. You should give Telstra some feedback though, they may not listen, but if enough people complain, they may get the message. If they offer enough formats, people will gladly pay more.

Pitty you still get stiffed when you do the right thing. Much like the Tax office really.

luke · 15-11-2005, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

I shouldn't have to download half an orchard if I want to run Apple files though!!!!

Now that is funny!

On a serious note, Limewire is the way to go. You've tried the legal way, they shafted you, so stuff it, download it through another means. Everyone else does it.

XD-Machine · 15-11-2005, 12:21 AM

bittorent is now the way to dl stuff these days (if u no wat i mean)

zetec · 15-11-2005, 12:49 AM

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

With regards to WMA, it's the Telstra licence that gets in the way it seems, not the WMA format as Movie Maker is based around Windows Media Player so compatibility on that respect is not an issue.

MrSparkle · 15-11-2005, 07:24 AM

The DRM used in these offerings is stupidly restricted in functionality and portability. Shortsighted retards, the lot of 'em. I'll stick to my tried and true combo of Emule Plus, PeerGuardian (keeps those music/movie industry snoops out), and NetLimiter.

fordel · 15-11-2005, 07:55 AM

Gotta love sourcing Dancing on the Ceiling though

Chris

Matty_XR6 · 15-11-2005, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

I then try Bigpond thinking (stupidly) that they'd have .mp3's. I download their version, pay $1.89 (bloody Telstra they even have to overprice their music downloads!!!) only to discover it's in .wma format and whilst I can convert it, that's still not super easy and more hassle than it's worth.

.

LOL man i work for bigpond tech support (thru a sub contracted company)and i wouldn`t even start looking at using anything bigpond/telstra it`s useless.. if the net isn`t going down its some other service and we cop the shyte from customers because of bigpond being so damn useless........ glad i got new job

3Toed · 15-11-2005, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

Gave my Kazaa and Napster and Imesh days away years ago.

^^^ This is your problem right there. Correct the problem and happiness will abound.

:

zetec · 15-11-2005, 09:44 AM

I'd rather slide naked down a slide covered in burning tar than install Kazaa on my computer again. That's the definition of malware right there.

XplosiveR6 · 15-11-2005, 10:06 AM

mp3 is actually geting quite old and is very insecure - too easy to copy and share, where as apples AAC and Microsofts WMA are both mutch better quatity and are much more secure.
instead of bagging the two most popluar mainstreem music files, how bout considering bagging crappy windows movie maker for no being compatible with such popular formats, and consider using one of the other million movie creator software out there. i can guarentee microfofts offering is certainly not that good

15-11-2005, 10:14 AM

If you can play it you can record it.

If you are desperate, go to recording volume control, and select wave out mix. Then open wavepad, start recording, press play on itunes/windows media player, when finished trim the file and save as an mp3.

Tote · 15-11-2005, 01:23 PM

there are a few programs around that will do a similar thing, virtual audio cable etc
Regards,
Tote

3Toed · 15-11-2005, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

I'd rather slide naked down a slide covered in burning tar than install Kazaa on my computer again. That's the definition of malware right there.

Yeah, sorry I should have been more specific. I use eMule and it's great. Not the fastest but it's pretty good and no spyware or malware.

XD-Machine · 15-11-2005, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

I'd rather slide naked down a slide covered in burning tar than install Kazaa on my computer again. That's the definition of malware right there.

bittorent, dl torrents is the best way. kazza is a spyware and vires dream

Perana · 15-11-2005, 03:42 PM

Limewire is great for single songs and bittorrent for full albums/discographys.

As far as paying to d/l songs from the likes of itunes store etc, its something that I dont think i'll ever do... I much rather have a CD on the shelf!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordel

Gotta love sourcing Dancing on the Ceiling though

Chris

LOL...

hmm i think my Mum's got a copy of that :S

eb91xr6 · 15-11-2005, 11:31 PM

Morpheus or lime wire

but buying the song is the legal way to get your music and you feel better for doing so LOL

luke · 16-11-2005, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb91xr6

Morpheus or lime wire

but buying the song is the legal way to get your music and you feel better for doing so LOL

But, as zetec was saying, paying for an inferior/ incompatible format is ridiculous. I'm not saying that I download music illegally, I'm just downloading backup copies of music I already own.

:

XD-Machine · 16-11-2005, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perana XR8

Limewire is great for single songs and bittorrent for full albums/discographys.

As far as paying to d/l songs from the likes of itunes store etc, its something that I dont think i'll ever do... I much rather have a CD on the shelf!

LOL...

hmm i think my Mum's got a copy of that :S

hey if you like one song from the artist y not get their hole album cause more likely then not they will have a song thats just as good if not better then the one you wanted to dl. Like eg i dl'd Sean Paul's album the other day cause i like the song he had on mtv but now i like about 5 songs on his album. Now i tell you now i would have never bought his album in the shops so trust me he has lost no money off me. Even now i wouldnt buy it cause i no i will be sick of him in about 2 weeks.

Dont the artists make all their money off tour's and being on the road??Trust me i believe you aint riping off the artist from dl their stuuf off places like bittorent but instead you are riping off the companies. Trust i no alot off ppl that say "i rather buy a album if i respect the artist and would have bought the album if i couldnt dl it", Like i have bought most of my fav singers albums but the ones that will last a week or 2 i dont bother.

One album i want to buy is mir ben ari, where do you buy cd's that you carnt get in your local music shop. Btw Miri Ben Ari is the chick in the back on the violine in Savages, moonshine (feat by akon), Mrir ben ari one of the best hip hop cd's i ever dl and i sugest it to anyone (buy or dl)

Matty_XR6 · 16-11-2005, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luke

But, as zetec was saying, paying for an inferior/ incompatible format is ridiculous. I'm not saying that I download music illegally, I'm just downloading backup copies of music I already own.

:

Thats gold..... exactly what i do LOL

dvk · 17-11-2005, 12:45 AM

I've actually gone though a very simliar set of events. As I'm sure *many* others have also.

I actually thought about the whole charging per download and only releasing them in retarded formats thing that they do, and I came up with a conspiracy theory:

In the past, a fair few people have bought tapes/cds/records, but they have always copied them for themselves or friends, etc, as a result, not exactly every person that listened to the song, paid for it. The real reason why they want paid downloads, and to limit the subsequent copying of those tracks is they can charge EVERY single person who listens to the song, for EVERY single device they listen to it on. If you think about this for a second, you would realise that this would mean (assuming current listening trends continue, and people embrace the new system) record companies would stand to increase their profits at least 5-fold. If you are a bastard director of one of these companies, there is no way you can ignore such an awesome opportunity to screw the consumer. THAT'S why they are so intent on squashing the p2p industry. Illegal p2p was a stepping stone, a necessary stepping stone they all pretend they hate, but the fact is, they need it, they are probably the ones secretly behind it, so they can get everyone addicted to obtaining songs fast, on demand, so they can eventually remove the "illegal" systems, replacing them with pay systems, and scaring consumers into paying for their downloads.

The one thing they are counting on is people will respond to their scare tactics and just bend over and take the *** raping.

Well, if noone abides by the stupid new system, then it's not going to work. Follow our lead people. Boycott those bastards! Make your voices heard!!

My take on music downloads is, artists have to be paid in some way. The thing is, many artists, the smaller ones especially, don't gain much revenue at all from record sales. They gain it all from concerts and merchandise. When you hear things like "the little guys are losing out" because we download music without paying, its a complete and utter load of twaddle from beginning to end. Most of these smaller artists are desperate to get their work out further into the market, and many indeed support the original "illegal" p2p systems. And many offer lots of music up. A quick visit to triple j's website will demonstrate this. The only ones that really lose out when a million people download a new song are the big businesses. And who really gives a rats about them anyway.

/rant
:P