Good Call Walmart
Walmart updated its DRM policies in response to user outcry. Good call, although not sustainable indefinitely.
Here is the letter that came via email last night:
NOTE: This is a follow-up to our email titled "Important Information
About Your Digital Music Purchases" from 9/26/08.Based on feedback from our customers, we have decided to maintain our
digital rights management (DRM) servers for the present time. What this
means to you is that our existing service continues and there is no
action required on your part. Our customer service team will continue
to assist with DRM issues for protected windows media audio (WMA) files
purchased from Walmart.com.While our customer support team is available to assist you with any
issues, we continue to recommend that you back up your songs by burning
them to a recordable audio CD. By backing up your songs, you insure
access to them from any personal computer at any time in the future.We appreciate your support and patience as we work to provide the best
service possible to you. As we move forward with our 100% MP3 store,
we’ll continue to update you with key decisions regarding our service
and your account via email.Thank you for using Walmart MP3 Music Downloads.
The Walmart Digital Music Team
The day after I posted my original entry on Walmart’s DRM decision , I was contacted by a lawyer who wanted me to sue Walmart. Obviously, he hadn’t closely read my post because I was merely arguing was that DRM isn’t a platform that can survive in the long term.
This attorney was out to make himself a quick buck at Walmart’s expense. I really detest this type of lawyering. Actually, he should probably be reported to the California Bar because contacting me directly because he wanted me to sue Walmart is likely unethical .
Here is the email chain:
—– Original Message —–
From: []
To: []
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 1:49:54 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: RE: Wal-Mart and DRMAlan:I am going to say no. My interest in DRM is a pure scholarly endeavor. As I mentioned in my blog, I literally have bought one track each from most of the big online stores as a matter of curiosity. Not much in the way of damages, if I were seeking them.I don’t believe that Walmart is bad player in this instance and would not consent to suing them on my behalf. I have no doubt that if offered the opportunity, they would allow buyers of past tracks to download MP3’s. I don’t think the record companies and their affiliates would allow it, however.My point is not anger with Walmart, but that DRM is not a sustainable business model.Regards,
From: Alan
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 1:16 PM
To: [Mecki]
Subject: Re: Wal-Mart and DRM
[Mecki],It would involve your taking action on a personal basis, not involving your firm. I’ve been conducting an investigation into the Wal-Mart discontinuation of support for its DRM encumbered music. I think Wal-Mart’s actions are subject to potential litigation.
That is what I hope to discuss with you.Alan
—– Original Message —–
From: []
To: []
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 12:54:11 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: RE: Wal-Mart and DRMAlan:Prior to talking, I would need an overview of how you think I might help, as well as a clearance of conflicts. Could you email me one or two lines what it is you are needing?[Mecki]
From: Alan
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 12:10 PM
To: Walker, Marlan D. (Assoc-OC-IP/Tech)
Subject: Wal-Mart and DRMDear Ms. []
I read your recent blog post: “This is Why DRM Doesn’t Work”
I have been working to try to put a stake through the heart of DRM in games and music for many years. One of my most recent endeavors is linked below:
[Redacted to protect the unethical]There is a way you could be of tremendous assistance in this effort.
I am wondering if we could talk. I am hoping you can call me.
I can be reached at:
626-[]
Alan