Engadget editorial on DRM completely misses the point

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Sense and nonsense.

Sense: it's appropriate to object to DRM when restrictions on use are greater than those applied to the same material obtained through other means of distribution.


Nonsense: That the digital distribution channel will replace all others.

Objections:

Without physical objects to examine, browsing is more difficult.

Materials packed with a CD can be of value to purchasers. Also applies tom extras on a DVD.

Doesn't happen every time, but in some cases albums are intended as a specific set played in a particular order. Even apparent filler is meaningful.
People should have the option of purchasing the entirety of something as intended. And though such can happen with digital distribution, knowing about it is more difficult.


Some observations about your contention:

"In the old physical goods ecosystem (which still exists),

[is primary, and there is no indication it will not remain so]

content owners bear the cost of manufacturing, packaging, and retail channel support. In many industries (I don't know about the entertainment business), retail channel support is actually the most expensive item.

[Yes, good to have a salesman on premises encouraging sale of your material.]

That's not to say that some of the costs mentioned above (production, advertising, etc.) aren't real. But let's be honest. As the world completes its shift to bits (as it did from other media), entertainment companies will begin to recognize significant savings.

[Given the cost of materials, production is probably about as irrelevant a factor in the cost structure as the artist.
The real costs go for obtaining buyers.]

In fact, I would argue that it's DRM that's stalling the death of the existing media types (like CDs).

[Most people do not, I expect, know about DRM and have had no experience which would lead to dissatisfaction with DRM.
In addition, this is a push-pull situatioon, in which the DRM controllers advance and retreat with the response.
Think of the current level of outrage as muted. Very muted.]

Sure, retail stores should and can exist. But why must it involve physical media?"

Ahm... because that's what they sell in retail stores?


I agree with you in your criticisms of DRM.
Effective expression criticism is factual, reasonable, and deals with likely scenarios.
Just suggesting adjustments.

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 09/25/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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