If you're dumb enough to like Coldplay, they'll fuck you.

[theweaselking]

Coldplay's new CD has this insert, readable only AFTER you've purchased the CD and opened the packaging. That's right: Not only is it not really a CD at all, but they've added a license that says that even if you *can* play it, you're not allowed to.

This is, of course, what you *deserve* for giving money to Coldplay, but it's not what you paid for.

Comments

[harald387.livejournal.com]

Since the picture isn't all that clear:

THIS CD IS A COPY PROTECTED CD.

Thank you very much for purchasing this CD and helping the cause of "Anti-Piracy". The recordings in this CD have an anti-copying function. They cannot be copied into a PC. In order for you to enjoy high quality music, we have added this special technology.

Before using, please first read the following:

USAGE GUIDLINES:

This CD cannot be burnt onto a CD-R or hard disk, nor can it be converted into MP3 for file sharing.

This CD has been manufactured for usage in regular CD players, but might not play in the following players:

-Some CD players have the capability of burning into an MP3 (such as portable players or car stereos)
-Some CD players that possess CD-R/RW functions (such as portable players or car stereos)
-Some car stereos with satellite "Guidance" systems.
-Some CD players or car stereos with hard disk recording capability.
-Some CD-R/RW Recorders used for music.
-Some portable CD players.
-Some CD/LD Convertible players.
-Some Game Players.
-Although you can use your PC's Windows program to listen to certain tracks, this does not mean that the CD can be played in all PCs.
-The first time this program is used (in Windows automatic starter software) it gets registered in Windows' File. Thus, programs already registered do not affect Windows' operation.
-Windows OS also uses the latest files.
This CD does not support Macintosh PC software.
-Except for manufacturing problems, we do not accept product exchange, return, or refund.

[harald387.livejournal.com]

Oh, and incidentally, Coldplay is with Virgin Records - this is Virgin's brainchild.

[rimrunner.livejournal.com]

Clearly, they learned nothing from last fall's Sony debacle.

Also in the same leaflet...

[harald387.livejournal.com]

PC Requirements
Minimum: Pentium 133MHz or equivalent with at least 32 MB RAM
OS: Windows 9x/NT 4.0(SP4)/ME/2000/XP
CD-ROM Drive

If you intend to listen to this CD on your PC, please use the software available on the Audio CD itself. This player will be able to play the audio tracks stored on the CD as compressed files.

Instructions for playing the CD on a personal computer using the audio player are available on the CD.

-Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.
-If enabled, wait for AutoPlay to start the player (for enabling AutoPlay, refer to your OS documentation)
-Else, browse to the CD-Rom Drive using the My Computer Icon or Windows Explorer.
-Locate the file "player.exe" and double click to launch it. This application will play the audio tracks from the CD.
-This application will allow basic player functionality like Play, Rewind, Forward, Pause, Stop, and PlayLists.

IMMUNITY CLAUSE:

This CD has compressed files that can be played under Windows OS. The company does not guarantee that this software can be played in all PCs with Windows OS. Playing of these CDs in PCs (Windows OS or Macintosh) are entirely at the user's responsibility and the company does not undertake to offer compensation for damages (if any) to the CD or PC on account of such usage.

[lurkerwithout.livejournal.com]

And of course if you want, it takes about 5 seconds searching to find the ENTIRE cd available online. So congratulations Virgin, you've helped FURTHER alienate music buyers, annoyed the hell out of people who actually LIKE Coldplay and were willing to spend money on them and done absolutely DICK to stop the album from being pirated...

[fengi.livejournal.com]

I especially like the "no refund, exchange or return". How are they going to enforce that? They aren't even sire exactly which devices will or will not play it, so anyone can claim manufacturing problems.

Is THIS how the record industry is going to solve their financial problems? A mandate against return policies? Consumer behavior may change with technology, but I think the expectation of refunds is a bit too ingrained for a top down mandate.

Maybe this is a harbringer of future commerce: Caveat Emptor Maximum - We've Got Your Money, Now Fuck Off.

[theweaselking.livejournal.com]

Obviously, by maintaining a single working machine. If your copy works on their machine, the problem is yours.

The problem here is that people are still buying and still stealing music.

What needs to be done on the consumer side is for people to realise that since they're not selling usable products, they're NOT SELLING THE PRODUCT AT ALL.

The trick is not to buy crippleware and crack it. The trick is not to buy the crippleware at all.

[fengi.livejournal.com]

Wow, now it's possible to say, "I'd pay to not listen to Coldplay." and mean it.

[gothpanda.livejournal.com]

Maybe it's a really, really bad joke?

On second thought, Coldplay aren't exactly The Bloodhound Gang.

[tomtherat.livejournal.com]

Nobody should ever listen to Coldplay anyway.

[ryusen.livejournal.com]

I think i have ONE COldplay song and it was one that a friend got on iTunes and burned for me...

These are the kinds fo things i don't think you can fully blame th eband for, since they really have little rights as to the way the music gets released and pretty much the record company oes all of that. I forget what band it was, but they were even posting ways around the anti-copying scheme on their own personal web site.

The saddest part of course is that all of this does NOTHING to stop internet priacy or even come close to stopping physical piracy... sad.