Indie music subscription service eMusic has
angered users by not being entirely
transparent about raised prices. On June 1, the company announced it had signed a licensing deal to offer older songs from Sony Music Entertainment, slipping into the
press release an announcement that its subscription fees would change. For example, the basic fee would be $11.99 for 24 songs,
fewer songs than in previous plans.
Bloggers are discussing the changes, how the raised prices coincide with the new partnership with
Sony, and if the basic indie-focus of eMusic would change with the addition of Sony. One
Macworld blogger called it "one step forward, one big step back":
But in the wake of the Sony announcement, eMusic has announced that it is changing its subscription fees….I’m just a bit disappointed to see it happen. Regardless of Sony’s presence, I’m going to be using the service to download music from the indie labels and artists that I’ve always sought out on eMusic. Which means that in my case, anyway, I’m going to be paying more and getting less without seeing any benefit.