Interesting. I actually used to use iTunes a lot, but I've lost a lot of music through them. The first time was before I had my iPod, and my old computer died. I had tried to make an mp3 cd of those songs before the compy died, but back then, iTunes didn't allow it. I went to iTunes on my new computer, and I wasn't allowed to re-download the songs I'd already purchased.
I have a lot of issues with iTunes and iPods (how the hell do I transfer music from my iPod to my PC? This is really not clear), but I actually want to pay for music, and so far, it's the best fit for me.
It was really laughable when Sony installed malware on peoples' computers for having legitimately purchased their music cd, and then was unapologetic about it.
I always argue that people should pay for copyrighted material, rather than violate the copyright, but when I read some of the stories about the RIAA's activities, I feel like I'm playing the devil's advocate.
Did you try contacting Apple about redownloading the music? I've heard that they're usually sympathetic to people who lose downloaded music when computers and hard disks die.
At some point in time I've owned Sticky Fingers in LP, 8-track, cassette, and compact disc. At least once in each format. They've all been lost or FUBAR through the years, and even if I still had them I couldn't play them.
Sticky Fingers in my iTunes library gets backed up with rsync every night, and I can't accidentally leave my iTunes library on the dashboard of a 1964 Mustang parked in the sun.
I've been a big fan of emusic over the last few years. The subscription based model can be a bit awkward but it does encourage you to check out music you normally wouldn't listen to.
I have a lot of issues with iTunes and iPods (how the hell do I transfer music from my iPod to my PC? This is really not clear), but I actually want to pay for music, and so far, it's the best fit for me.
It was really laughable when Sony installed malware on peoples' computers for having legitimately purchased their music cd, and then was unapologetic about it.
I always argue that people should pay for copyrighted material, rather than violate the copyright, but when I read some of the stories about the RIAA's activities, I feel like I'm playing the devil's advocate.