Michael Robertson, founder of MP3.com, offers insightful thoughts for Steve Jobs.

Robertson addresses the issue of sincerity, which Jobs' statements put out for public debate. Four proposals are offerred for Apple that are not important in themselves (1. sell some content in MP3 format, 2. publish database format for iPods so other music software can be used, 3. open iTunes software to work seamlessly with other stores, 4. port iTunes software to Linux), but in what they may help clarify.

Robertson writes to Jobs:

I want to challenge you to take actions to bolster your words to [ensure] you are genuine and your letter wasn't simply a deflection shield to escape government scrutiny...instead of focusing on political posturing I want to focus on real solutions that can change the industry.

I hope you'll consider taking these actions - none of which require approval of the music industry, nor require you to license your Fairplay DRM technology that you see as problematic. All of these actions will demonstrate that you want a world where consumers have options as to where they buy and play their music; not to mention, you'll be putting Apple's leadership where your pen is.

Robertson raises an issue sidestepped by Jobs; if the music labels require DRM and Apple must honor that interest, and if licensing FairPlay is not plausible (Robertson thinks it is), then what courses of action are available to Apple once the obstacles to interoperability enumerated by Jobs are addressed? Well, plenty.

There is almost no chance that Jobs and Apple will adopt any of Robertson's proposals simply to prove a point. Robertson's statements are still important; they demonstrate alternatives Apple can pursue unilaterally, to achieve the kind of interoperability and consumer environment, that Jobs claimed he values.

posted by Noel Le @ 2:04 AM | DMCA, DRM & Watermarks, etc.

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