Although not strictly music related Ars Technica has an interesting article today about EA’s move to add more of its previously DRM’d titles to Steam, an online game distribution platform. This move would be in response to the huge outcry that occurred in reaction to the tight DRM restrictions on games such as Spore and to a lesser extent, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. Steam is a proprietary system so it is not true that the games are completely free to be copied and distributed. Instead, gamers must have a Steam key to play. However, such a restriction is minimal and understandable as opposed to the absurd DRMs which basically punished users who attempted to play by the rules by limiting them to only a few computers upon which they could install their duly and legally purchased game.
As said, this does not relate immediately to music, however, the move is another step in the ongoing evolution of corporately exercised controls on software which relates to a similar trend in music. Game companies are in an ongoing arms race against the ubiquitous pirates of the internet to prevent the illegal distribution of their material. As is so often the case, initial attempts usually hurt legal users more than the pirates . This move by EA shows a change in attitude towards users which should be celebrated as a victory for users because it is able to benefit legal users who can now freely use their purchase and for the company which knows that its game is still under some protection. It is not a perfect system yet but this is a step in the right direction.
A step that the music industry could learn from, namely, that the system is not static and that change is possible and should be considered, rather than heavy handed attempts to retain the past.
Jars of Clay, the band whose members formed the non-profit group blood:water mission, are currently on the “Love Came Down” tour along with Sara Groves, Sixpence None the Richer, and Leeland. Not only are these all fantastic bands who I recommend simply for their musicality, but a part of the tour is to raise money for blood:water mission. Going to this concert gives you great music and a way to support a great project to bring clean water and supplies to fight aids to Africa! I can’t really think of a better reason to attend a concert! But what about those people who can’t make it to the concert?
Thats where this news gets even better. The bands of the tour, in conjunction with blood:water mission, have posted some of their music online. In the same vein as such bands as Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails the bands are allowing you to name your own price for the music, with all of the proceeds from this music going towards blood:water! I, personally, think that this is a fantastic idea which is a benefit to all involved. The bands get their music out to their fans, who will then be more likely to support their music and come to future shows. The fans get music that they enjoy for a cost of their choosing (empowering a customer or fan is always a good idea). And most importantly, its a great way to raise awareness and money for a fantastic organization.
I may be gushing but as the ways bands and fans interact are changing drastically around us, I think that this is a great step in the right direction.
Check out Noise Trade for more details and to download.
Check out blood:water mission for more information about their ongoing project to bring clean water and supplies to battle aids to communities in Africa.
