DISQUS

Mathew's comments: Is DRM evil — and does that make Google evil?

  • Stuart MacDonald · 3 years ago
    I have observed hundreds of focus groups over the years and I can tell you that regardless of the category what most people want is choice, easy, value and legal. It's absolutely that simple. Sure, we all know stories of some 13 year old kid who can crack any DRM code in 9 seconds or use BitTorrent to download 13 seasons of "Bonanza", but these really are outliers. For the millions of people who buy off of iTunes for instance, it's because they get choice, easy, value and legal. I am willing to bet that 99% of those people don't have a clue about any of this DRM hullaballoo, or even that their content is protected somehow. So as long at GOOG nails choice, easy, value and legal, whatever format they propose will likely work just fine and the rat's behind will win.

    And to date, I'd say them GOOG kids do choice, easy and legal pretty darn well.

    - Stuart
  • Mathew · 3 years ago
    Thanks, Stuart. I'll put you down for b) not evil :-)

    I think you're probably right. Choice and ease of use -- not to
    mention cheap -- will likely win the day.