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Nonsuch · Oct 22, 2003, 11:56 PM

MacMinute just posted a story about iTunes Producer, a new standalone software app designed to make it easy for labels and producers to submit their music for sale on the iTunes Music Store.

Coming as it does on the heels of iTunes for Windows, which seems already to be a tremendous success, along with great new features for both the Mac and Windows versions, I can only marvel at how completely ahead of the competition Apple is. Microsoft is reduced to impotent sputterings of FUD; Apple-bashing analysts are betting that the word "Napster" is somehow going to trump unmatched ease of use and simplicity of design.

So far Apple is getting this completely right. (Barring some uncontrollable international licensing hurdles, of course.) I think they're going to sell their 100 million tunes by next spring, and then some.

Adam Betts · Oct 23, 2003, 12:08 AM

We can't really trust Billboard Bulletin

I don't think Apple would tell anyone their secrets, especially in a time like this (Napster and all)

Nonsuch · Oct 23, 2003, 12:15 AM

Originally posted by Adam Betts:
We can't really trust Billboard Bulletin

I don't think Apple would tell anyone their secrets, especially in a time like this (Napster and all)

If the release were imminent, spilling the beans early would do no harm. It's not like Napster can suddenly crank out a copy and beat Apple to the table.

Adam Betts · Oct 23, 2003, 12:25 AM

Originally posted by Nonsuch:
If the release were imminent, spilling the beans early would do no harm. It's not like Napster can suddenly crank out a copy and beat Apple to the table.

Microsoft is still developing their own Music Store

RooneyX · Oct 23, 2003, 12:36 AM

It would be amazing if people, ordinary Joes, could make music, submit the stuff, have it auditioned, and then make money from the Apple Store. Not only could talented people make money without playing on the street or struggling to get a label, but many more people would move to the Mac platform to develop and sell their talents.

This is true democracy in action. Getting rid of as much bureacracy as possible and putting power in the hands of the people.

I feel like wearing a tshirt with a red star! I've got Soundtrack, now I just need a keyboard and Qubase or something!

This is the way the world should be running! First music, then movies!

CheesePuff · Oct 23, 2003, 12:51 AM

Originally posted by Adam Betts:
Microsoft is still developing their own Music Store

No, it's just a re-branded Rhapsody.

blackbird_1.0 · Oct 23, 2003, 07:36 AM

rooneyx, thats an awesome idea, send that feedback to apple

chris v · Oct 23, 2003, 07:47 AM

Originally posted by RooneyX:
It would be amazing if people, ordinary Joes, could make music, submit the stuff, have it auditioned, and then make money from the Apple Store. Not only could talented people make money without playing on the street or struggling to get a label, but many more people would move to the Mac platform to develop and sell their talents.

This is true democracy in action. Getting rid of as much bureacracy as possible and putting power in the hands of the people.

I feel like wearing a tshirt with a red star! I've got Soundtrack, now I just need a keyboard and Qubase or something!

This is the way the world should be running! First music, then movies!

This is not so far from reality. Check out CD Baby. They distribute CDs for unsigned acts, and only require a $40.00 fee and 5 copies for inventory. They'll be online with ITMS pretty soon, and charge a nominal fee to submit your songs there, as well. Apple is about to blow independent music distribution wide open. A very, very good thing.

CV

mitchell_pgh · Oct 23, 2003, 08:56 AM

Originally posted by RooneyX:
It would be amazing if people, ordinary Joes, could make music, submit the stuff, have it auditioned, and then make money from the Apple Store. Not only could talented people make money without playing on the street or struggling to get a label, but many more people would move to the Mac platform to develop and sell their talents.

I think the potential is amazing. You are in a good local band, You don't have the $$$ to reproduce CDs (or do, but want an online presence or can't deal with trying to sell CDs at the door EVERY place you go). You pay a few $$ to Apple for them to audition your music and potentially place it on the Apple Store.

Originally posted by RooneyX:
This is true democracy in action. Getting rid of as much bureacracy as possible and putting power in the hands of the people.

Yes, if you are good, and have a good following, I would LOVE to see a band make a majority of the money from the song sales. I would love Apple to be known for bringing someone big to the forefront of the music industry.

Originally posted by RooneyX:
I feel like wearing a tshirt with a red star! I've got Soundtrack, now I just need a keyboard and Qubase or something!

You lost me there. This is capitalism at work.

Originally posted by RooneyX:
This is the way the world should be running! First music, then movies!

It would be interesting to see if Apple would try movies. I'm sure they don't want to get into that at this point. Lets make sure the iTMS is a hit first.

thunderous_funker · Oct 23, 2003, 01:01 PM

Originally posted by RooneyX:
It would be amazing if people, ordinary Joes, could make music, submit the stuff, have it auditioned, and then make money from the Apple Store. Not only could talented people make money without playing on the street or struggling to get a label, but many more people would move to the Mac platform to develop and sell their talents.

This is true democracy in action. Getting rid of as much bureacracy as possible and putting power in the hands of the people.

I feel like wearing a tshirt with a red star! I've got Soundtrack, now I just need a keyboard and Qubase or something!

This is the way the world should be running! First music, then movies!

You didn't hear it from me, but don't be surprised if eBay announces something very similiar in the not so distant future.

GoGoReggieXPowars · Oct 23, 2003, 01:11 PM

I don't see how this has anything to do with democracy.

Still, sounds a lot like a slightly more viable version of MP3.com. Remember them?

RooneyX · Oct 23, 2003, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by GoGoReggieXPowars:
I don't see how this has anything to do with democracy.

When people can do with little bureaucracy and are able to rule themselves then that is quite a pure form of democracy. It's not all about voting for Schwarzenegger you know. Elections and politicians are a waste of time. Technology and self rule will be the way one day. Marx himself said, before his words were distorted by Leninists and fascists who claimed to Communists and also by greedy Cold War ultra-capitalists, that socialism happens when the technology allows people to take control of themselves and to be able to have a say in society without bureacratic intervention.