Posted Friday, May 28, 2004

Snitch Different: Apple Seeks iTunes Abusers

Today, while surfing Apple's iTunes support area, I came across something I hadn't seen before. On the right-hand side of the page, a small box reads "Report Misuse: Report inappropriate use of iTunes or the iTunes Music Store."

Click the link, and you're taken to a form where you can type your email address, phone number, and a "comment."

Just what kind of "inappropriate use" are we talking about? Having a large Britney Spears library? Or maybe Apple is out to get these loners.

The whole thing reminds me of a poster that frequently appears in "Brazil," Terry Gilliam's masterpiece of a movie: "Don't suspect a friend -- report him."

Memo to Apple: I imagine the pressure from Internet-phobic record labels is crushing, but asking your customers to rat out your customers is lame.

No iTunes misuse here. Another "Brazil" poster reads, "Information: The Key to Prosperity." There's plenty of information in the latest edition of the original digital hub book. Almost 300 gorgeously designed, full color pages, plus a two-hour instructional DVD. All for $20.99 at Amazon.com. It's at the printer now and ships on June 11, according to Amazon. Pre-order "The Macintosh iLife '04" today.