CNET acquires MP3.com

If CNET plan on running a music store from MP3.com after the take over, it will be interesting to see if they provide their music sales in the traditional MP3 format or some other codec such as WMA codec as used by most of the rest. If one goes to purchase music from MP3.com, they will expect their music to be at least in the MP3 format. Otherwise it is like having a shop titled 'DVD Home Entertainment' and all they sell is VHS tapes! ;)

Instead, the company [CNET] plans to turn mp3.com into a source of information for digital music." (Whoopee-doo). That's quite a service-drop from what mp3.com used to do isn't it? I can find out all I need or want to know about digital music right here. I can't see as how "providing information on digital music" to the public is going to pay any bills at CNET. I hope they have something else up their sleeve, because their [stated] proposed new direction for mp3.com seems kinda lame to me.

I used mp3.com alot to find and support new or growing artists. I can't believe it's going away. That makes me mad.

In a world where most of today's popular music is based on looks and image instead of talent it's sad to see one of the few websites that offered not only an outlet for the aspiring independent artists which must rely on sheer talent, but to offer it to it's listeners for free and legitamately. Hopefully CNET for whatever reasons think they can enhance it with a "new direction" somehow will not or eventually make us, the listener have to pay in order to "keep providing the great service you're used to" BS. We don't need you if you are going to offer a few free "table-scraps" of music for non-members then push a "premium membership" for full access. You will lose alot of post-mp3.com users and maybe the same will result from your other websites as well. As for me if I choose to boycott one website of CNET I definately won't go to any other.

CNET also acquired ZDNET, the question is did they in anyway improve it? If the answer is yes then perhaps nothing will have changed except mp3’s ownership but if the answer is no, then mp3.com will be molded to conform to the CNET formula. It is likely that new aspiring artists will have to look for a new home because CNET will stick with a sensible business modely and go for the "sure thing."

I agree. The RIAA is slowly tryiong to gain control over everyghing. Rhapsody is a good service however but now that mp3.com has gone to the dogs it will hurt the inde artists in which we could hear on the mp3.com website. Voodoohippie