Real's petition backfires thanks to Apple fans [updated] 




In addition to its new anti-Apple Web site, RealNetworks has created an online petition aimed at Apple:

Dear Apple, Your company has long stood for innovation and open competition. Wasn't it Apple that ran the famous Super Bowl ad encouraging consumers like us to stand up for our right to make our own choices? We're asking that you do the same now and support the right of your own customers to make their own choices about where they buy music for the iPod. We want Freedom of Music Choice! Don't lock us in to purchasing digital music from one source. That's bad for competition. It will stifle innovation. And it will slow the adoption of digital music devices like the iPod. Do the right thing. Stand with us for Freedom of Music Choice! Sincerely, The Undersigned

Following an overwhelming amount of negative comments about Real, the company has removed the link to the petition from its "Freedom of Music Choice" Web site.

Update: The company has created a new petition with slightly different wording that does not allow comments -- only names and email addresses. RealNetworks is now linking to this document from its anti-Apple site, with no mention of the previous petition. Update #2: Several readers note that Real has disabled the ability to post comments to the "stories" on the above Web site due to a deluge of pro-Apple comments. 

Posted: Tue - August 17, 2004 at 09:33 PM        

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