Legal We7 is a strangely named music download
We7 is a strangely named music download service which promises free, DRM-free, ad-supported mp3 downloads. Cnet.co.uk claims that the service “absolutely, categorically will not succeed.” I agree with this assessment of the We7’s …
Meet We7, the latest addition to the web’s growing collection of music download services — but this fresh outlet employs a novel approach. Spearheaded by Genesis singer Peter Gabriel, a renowned forward thinker in the digital music realm, We7 offers free downloads financially supported by brief advertisements inserted before the beginning of each track. Theoretically, the service scratches all parties’ back; the user receives free tunes, advertisers reach an ideal and refined audience, label’s rake in the cash, and artists get paid as well. But the problem, which scores of bloggers are sounding off about, is that many users feel the musical experience may be soured by an advertisement, forcing compu-geeks to edit out the tune’s ad, completely undermining the effort — an issue likely foreseen by potential ad slot buyers.
Reportedly, Apple Computer will re-negotiate contracts with major record companies next month, and at that time, it will probably seek further concessions from them on selling music without copy-protection software.
