Apple on iTunes LP: Indies Welcome, Production Fees Fictional
9:58 pm, October 13th, 2009, Pete Mortensen
Last week brought reports that Apple’s much-touted album format, iTunes LP, had serious challenges. Brian McKinney of Chocolate Lab Records claimed that he had been told that Apple was charging a $10,000 production fee for iTunes LP, but it didn’t matter anyway, because the product was only meant to extend to major record labels, anyway.
This set off quite a ruckus. I called iTunes LP a form of paid advertising instead of a legitimate offering, for one.
In a rare move, Apple has responded to the explosive rumor and denies all charges. Apple contacted UK blog Electric Pig, informing them it will be “releasing the open specs for iTunes LP soon, allowing both major and indie labels to create their own. There is no production fee charged by Apple.”
That’s very positive news, and if it means what it seems to, it’s well-worth celebrating. I should also note that Apple’s announcements need to be very carefully read. They typically mean just what they say and no more. Pledging to allow labels to “create their own” iTunes LPs does not mean that you will approve them, for example. Saying “There is no production fee charged by Apple” does not mean that some other intermediary won’t charge for production. Bear in mind, Apple still claims it hasn’t rejected the Google Voice app for iPhone, claiming it has yet to approve it months after submission and heated letters to the FCC later.
Honestly, this topic looks murkier all the time. Apple is a remarkably opaque organization. The truth is, we will never know if Apple previously intended to allow indie labels to participate in iTunes LP prior to this minor controversy, nor do we know if the rumored production fee once existed. Apple keeps its inner workings so locked down that we can only ever judge the company based on its external actions. If an iTunes LP SDK is released in the next month, that’s a positive sign. And if we see the selection of iTunes LPs grow from about 12 to 1,000 titles in the relatively near future (with abundant indie label participation at no extra charge), it will be clear that the format is a major push toward a true digital album.
I’m thrilled Apple is taking this seriously, and I hope iTunes LP lives up to its potential. Keep your eyes peeled.
Posted by Pete Mortensen in Apple, Rumors, iTunes | Comment on this article
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Considering that you previously made accusations based on a rumour which was apparently incorrect, you do a great job of still slinging mud in this article instead of eating humble pie. Clearly you’ll never be satisfied with any outcome on this issue.
James, on October 13th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
And you were claiming “Apple is Evil!!!!One!!!!!! iTunz LPs R teh SuxXor” without any proof other than that whining bitch. That’s what I call Bad Journalism.
DellPHAIL¡, on October 13th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Feer not…just build your own!
Check out the Tuesday Spoils iTunes LP that is floating around to see how easy it is!
Doug, on October 13th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Cult of Mac reporting is getting simply nightmarish. It seems they’ll publish anything to get eyeballs… you guys are losing me with this sort of slapdash reporting.
CoM should be issuing an apology and a retraction. Instead, you speak in this distant third-person “somebody somewhere made accusations” voice, even though once again, it’s CoM stirring the pot and publishing unresearched reports. Seriously not cool.
icecastles, on October 13th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
“Honestly, this topic looks murkier all the time. Apple is a remarkably opaque organization. ”
Please, did you call Apple to ask for their response to McKinney’s accusation before you reported it? I didn’t think so. You know, being a “blogger” is no longer an excuse for being lazy and irresponsible. The only thing looking murkier all the time is Cult of Mac.
Joseph, on October 13th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
@ icecastles & james
I totally agree with you both.
“Report: iTunes LP is Over-priced, Under-Planned” <- Priceless.
Outsider, on October 13th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
You’re right. I should have called Apple– as should everyone else who propogated this story, including those who acted as my sources. I’m sorry I didn’t, and I’m glad someone finally did. Digital Pig did all of our jobs for us, and I’m embarrassed about that
I apologize for the lack of a call. It was an oversight on a basic issue.
The rest was opinion based on the best information we had at the time, and I stand by my comments, which were clearly stated as being assumptions based on rumor and not fact.
Pete Mortensen, on October 13th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
“Digital Pig did all of our jobs…”
It’s Electricpig.co.uk, actually.
jbc, on October 14th, 2009 at 2:05 am
Peter:
That was a nice Step One, apologising to readers for scurrilously repeating unsubstantiated gossip as fact and then pontificating on it. In doing this, you are at least better than a Faux Noise pundit.
But you STILL haven’t apologised to APPLE, and you still haven’t indicated that you will cease behaving like a first-day j-school intern who doesn’t even know the basics of good writing yet.
Shape up, or ship out.
Charles Martin, on October 14th, 2009 at 2:47 am
I think i know WHY Bush lasted 8 years f*** yr. country and the world.
Most of you in The Blogosphere like to shoot first and then ask What was that?
Deocliciano Okssipin Vieira, on October 14th, 2009 at 6:27 am