The death of eMusic

Welp, I knew it was coming but eMusic has finally gone to well let's just say s**t. The service was previously $9.95 per month for "unlimited" downloads, though there was really an unstated limit of 2,000 tracks per month. Regardless, it was an outstanding value with tons of great music for people with an open mind.

I knew the service was inequitable, for once it was actually too good for the customer and something had to change. Tonight the hammer fell. I knew trouble was brewing when they suddenly took their discussion forums offline earlier tonight, first sign of an attack, cut off the communications. So the email just arrived and eMusic has been acquired by Dimensional Associates LLC and has completely changed their model. What was previously $9.95 per month for unlimited (really 2,000 tracks) downloads is now $9.95 per month for 40 tracks. Yep that's right a wopping 40 tracks. But they were kind enough to offer an eMusic Premium (limited time for current subscribers only, yay) plan for $50 per month that enables 300 downloads. To say this sucks is an understatement.

Prior to this I was a huge fan of eMusic. I knew their model was flawed and it needed to change, but this change is far, far worse then anything I ever expected. I was hoping for something like blocks of 500 tracks for $9.95 each or something. Even 250 for $9.95 would have been cool with me, but 40, naw ain't gonna happen. What's even worse is that it looks like it's 40 tracks MAX, I don't even see any option to go over that. Oh wait, there's an eMusic Plus for $14.95 that gives you 65 tracks MAX, greaaaat. The premium plan(300 tracks) is too big of a commitment ($50 per month) for the music that eMusic offers and it's only available to current subscribers.

So that rumbling sound you hear is the rush of all the former eMusic fans rushing for the exits. eMusic I loved you while you were here, hope you enjoy your life while it lasts. The prognosis says you'll be dead within 6 months.

If your a former eMusic fan, you probably already know about this, but here's the link to cancel.

Now I'm just counting the days until Real Media screws up the other good music service, Rhapsody. It's coming, I can feel it.

BTW, since eMusic took their discussion forums down you can probably find discussion on the eMusic Mix Tapes site and on a new site launched tonight to fill in the gap. Or just post here so that we can grieve together.

Posted by Kimbro Staken