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January 3, 2005 / Filed under: Technology, Services

Some debate has been going on regarding the subscription vs. download approach to digital music.

Currently, Apple’s Music Store has 99 cent downloads, per song. Although, you can buy many albums that have more than 10 songs, for only $9.99.

Napster and Yahoo both offer subscription based services, which let you listen to as many songs as you’d like for a flat monthly fee. The catch comes when you try to put those songs on a portable player, or on a CD – which is when you’re charged an extra $1 per song.

Both Napster and Yahoo believe Apple’s approach to selling digital music is "doomed."

I already commented on this topic, but I will re–iterate my points.

Apple can change their approach to sales

If and when the time comes (and that’s a big IF), Apple can easily change their approach to sales, in order to include monthly subscription fees for their music store.

IF Napster and Yahoo actually pull it off, and draw millions of loyal Apple fans to their boring, uninspirational music services (note I said IF), I don’t think Apple will cower, hide, and drop all music service business.

If that is truly the only advantage the competition has on them (IF it actually happens), I hardly think that’s a strong enough advantage to push Apple to the side completely.

Like I said – if people truly want subscriptions (which they don’t), Apple can simply adopt the concept.

I don’t want subscriptions

I don’t want a subscription based service. I like the way it is now. I buy only the music that I know I will listen to, or can share with others. Apple gives you those privelages upon each 99 cent download. Or, if I want the entire album, often times it is cheaper for ALL the songs ($9.99 for more than 10 songs).

The music industry is in disarray

As far as I’m concerned, the music industry is in complete disarray. CD sales have been dropping for years; record labels are constantly betraying their bands; and consumers are finding better ways to obtain music.

No approach is the "be all, end all." Things will always be changing.