dreadedmonkeygod . net

Don't know how this got by me, but tech hero Rep. Rick Boucher has introduced in the House the Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act of 2005. It provides that non-standard CDs, DVD-Audio, and Super Audio discs, etc. must be clearly labeled as such.

This is a great idea, and much needed. Right now I'm going back and forth with Amazon about my Homunculus CD, trying to determine whether my disc was DRM-afflicted or just defective. (Is there a difference?) Part of the problem is that there are no pertinent markings on the case.

I'm a big believer in market forces. I believe that when given a fair shake, customers make smart choices. But record companies are (understandably) reluctant to slap a big-ol' "HOBBLED WITH DRM! WON'T PLAY IN YOUR COMPUTER!" label on their product, and that puts most customers in an awkward position: they don't find out about the DRM until they get the disc home.

Lets label non-standard CDs and give customers a chance to decide before they buy.