Add me, my hair is prettier.

She's got you there, Cesar! :-)

Jessica=female

Need I say more?

This is the internet after all.

But in all seriousness, Ive friended you both. I couldnt pick a side.

I think that when every record label/band in the world accepts the subscription model as the best possible way to listen to music, then all will be right with the world.

It's all about permanent copies of music for me.  I don't like the idea that my music will go away, even if it means that I have to be more cautious with my exploration -- but an album or two a month is enough that you'll have a varied library in no time.

I think zune should lead the market by having every track a MP3(DRM-Free) i know thats not quite possible as of today. Also we need to get rid of Microsoft Points system for zune and just have how much the track is, its alot of confusion for many new users.

i think that people is understanding the fact that paying for music is a better way than stealing it (paying either for an mp3, or any format), because you can get that precious file that can be loaded easily into a player and supporting your favourite band at the same time.

The Rhapsody Premium service is a direct competitor to Zune Pass.

Should we use the Rhapsody Premium ($12.99) or Zune Pass ($14.99)?

@gary russo

I think those 2 extra bucks are worth it because of the quality of service as well as the brand name responsiblities from zune. im not saying rhapsody is any better/worse but if someone asked me who i trust more, its got to be zune.

Well the plan I've discussed with my band is to just give out recorded material for free. The real profit should come from the live shows, because that's where the experience is really at you know?

That's awesome. A DRM-free lifestyle is getting more realistic for more people everyday.

I just wish it was easier to search for ONLY MP3, in Zune Marketplace, rather than hoping every time you check out a song track.

I'm wondering, which audio format is technically better : MP3 or WMA or AAC? (all without DRM). If someone could answer that, that'd be great.

For Microsoft, they need to get rid of the ridiculous "Microsoft Money" Point system.  While it is good for the company, it is NOT GOOD for the consumer.

Other than that, the Zune software is getting better and better and the Zune itself is a great device.  

It's just unfortunate for Microsoft that their Point system has pushed me to third party sites for downloads (and all but complete abandonment of my 360).

Yeah i think the major point here is microsoft points. Its too much effort to convert the points over to real money any time you want to purchase something. The Zune team must understand that it's confusing and turn people off buying from the marketplace. Most reviewers hate it and give the marketplace a bad review for it.

I think most tracks need to be DRM-free. Especially from the big artists. Most DRM-free tracks right now are from smaller artists. If amazon can do it then way can't microsoft? I have a zune pass but if i was to buy an album then i would buy it off amazon in a flash so i could use it on my zune and my iphone. Its pointless buying it DRM'd because it will only work on one of them.

Also i think the 3 plays rule needs to disappear for DRM-free tracks. If there's no DRM on them in the first place then why are you stopping us from sharing them? If zune is all about finding new music then wouldn't this be a major way? You are basically DRM'ing tracks that have no DRM! It makes no sense!

By the way.... zuneboards just posted a great piece on all the apps and games they have for the zune.

http://www.zuneboards.com/editorials/developers-developers-developers.html

Why hate points???? I dont quite understand that. While i cant really comment on the marketplace because im stuck in canada :(....

Rhapsody is doing some nice things lately..allowing consumers to access content without a PC from devices such as Tivo, Sonos, etc and now this agressive DRM Free move.  I also like their licensing change to allow for full song previews.  Zune had already been moving towards being DRM free and I'm sure we'll see the results after Microsoft has finished renegotiating their contracts (hopefully by fall).  There is a tremendous about of work to be done around connected entertainment, making for an immersive MarketPlace experience, increasing the size of the library, implementing some direct to backend service capabilities and more & more.  Nobody said this was going to be easy.

Again can somoene please explain why the point system is hateded? When I purchase a lump some of points thru my xbox, i may have those points sitting ont he consol for months, then when i buy something i really dont feel like im spedning any money because i spent that money a while back. I dont know why everyone is so upset over that system. I love it.

I personally would like to see MS take a harder stance and try to lead the way further into the DRM-free revolution, get some hipster technophile cred.  Good to hear they are progressing into having about 2/3rds of their content open. I'd also like to see them extend the options available for a wider consumer audience with different needs. Extend the Pass into some sort of tiered choice, three options. First choice is the cheap option, offset with ads, give it to them for under ten bucks a month. Second is the Pass we have now, no changes.  Third is the high end option for serious enthusiasts, which enables them to keep a certain amount of tracks per month based on plays or choice.

With the Zune Card friend subscriptions on the Social side, I'd love to get the musical taste integration tightened in between friends, or make a way to find other users who share your musical taste ridiculously easy. Also reward users who share and recommend music in some way. Also create a list of previous tracks/artists recommended in the Social user profile page so new users can see what a user has recommended in the past.

Also, follow Rhapsody's lead and allow your whole catalog to be able to be streamed in full with one play through.  

/2 cents

neilksos-

If you remove the 3 play rule on shared music, isn't that the same as giving away content?  I think the intent there is to give folks a way to find new music, then go buy it.  I can't imagine the record labels would agree to no limitations on shared music...

I think it's largely the same situation as on the Zune Pass (i.e., unlimited rental music.)  You don't get to keep it after your pass expires...

I really love the zune software. Some more themes i think would be cool, maybe with some partners (Thinking Xbox, Halo, Gears of War!!!). I also think that getting the zune software out onto mobile devices would be awesome and if the whole marketplace was Mp3 I would be so happy :) !! But you guys are doing a great job and I cannot wait to see whatelse you all have up your sleeves!

This is great but when in the heck are you adding audible support for the zune. I love my zune and am tired or listening to my audible books on my phone. If my phone can play them why in the world doesn't m$ get a deal done.

Why does DRM-free have to equal MP3?  Why can't you offer DRM-free WMA tracks?