I and many other people out there have had problems with DRM being a constant annoyance especially with music that we bought. I know there has to be an easy way around this mess. After all, one can simply press record and play at the same time and get a file without DRM that way, but there must be something less tedious.

While it may not be the answer you were looking for, the only real solution, as with anything in the capitalist system, is to not purchase anything you do not like.

If the DRM issue is that important return any CD/DVD - content of any kind to the the seller, and make sure you tell them why you are returning it - for a full refund NOT store credit. I guaronteeee you that Brittany Spears CD is not only not that valuable to you (now or, especially, in a few years), but that the loss of sales IS of major importance to whatever entity is pedalling the drivel in question.

On the other hand, if the music, movie or whatever other content IS so important to you that you MUST have it, then enjoy your purchase within the constraints of the DRM system. Oh and quite whining, you are part of the problem - not the solution.

A few things I have to say about this. No it was not the answere I was looking for, and second, I dont want to get rid of DRM altogether even if I could. DRM attemps to keep illegal file sharing down, which lets the artists and record companies earn the money for the product that they produce. All I want to do is play my music cd's that I payed for on my MP3 player.

Well, now that I have slept it off, let me sound a more conciliatory note. It was a cheep shot to call what you want to listen to drivel, sorry bout that, though I was trying to refer generally to 'pop' music and its perveyors.

As for DRM, and your wish not to necessarily get rid of it entirly, my original reply, return what doesn't suit you, is still the only way - short of legislation. Of course the legislators are not on your side at this point so that aint going to happen.

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Keep in mind the point of DRM is to force you to purchase the same thing for every application you want, not properly reimburse the artist. As far as the record company is concerned you have purchased a licence to listen on your HOME CD player. If you would like to listen in the office, or on your bike, you will have to pay for a licence to cover that application. Think of the software world. You need one copy of MS-XP per computer, nevermind that the one at the office is not being used while you are at home, and vice versa. I know there are ways around that, but that is one of the goals of MS activation. And similarly it is a goal of the record companies.

If you still don't mind DRM but just wish it were less obtrusive, you have to return the CD's that don't allow you to do what you desire and let the record companies figure out a DRM system that does. If you are looking for ways to crack the DRM, as I said the lawmakers are not on your side, they have already made that path illegal (DMCA of course.) I think it infringes your freedom of speech but profit is more important to those making the laws right now.

Of course all of this only applies to the digital world. As soon as you go to analogue all bets are off, for a loss of quality.

In the bigger picture, the only solution is to vote. Get rid of the people who are there to serve the record companies. Don't listen to multimillion dollar TV ad campainges, that money comes from somewhere, and it DOES buy influence. I bet anything the head of capital records has had lunch with a congressman more recently than you or me. Why do you suppose that is, he only gets one vote just like us.

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