Comment 0 for bug 528910

The new music store that is going to be included in Ubuntu 10.04 is called the Ubuntu One Music Store.

I propose that the store be named "7digital music store" because it is more accurate and honest.

The store should not be named after Ubuntu, for these reasons:
1. The music is sold in MP3 format, which is a proprietary and commercial format. This goes against the Ubuntu philosophy/promise/spirit, which aims at providing working software to all without restriction and for no charge. Furthermore, Ubuntu cannot play MP3 audio by default. Solution: provide music in a free format such as Ogg Vorbis or disassociate the Ubuntu values from the store by renaming it to "7digital music store".

2. The music is sold at a price. Once again, this goes against the Ubuntu philosophy/promise/spirit. Ubuntu's software is always gratis. Why should this not apply to art? Ubuntu has gone out of its way to support free and gratis art , it would be inconsistent to associate the brand with selling music per unit. (Canonical has donated money to the Creative Commons. Every release features a "Free Culture Showcase". I quote Jono Bacon: "At the heart of Ubuntu’s ethos is a belief in showcasing Free Software and Free Culture".) Solution: provide the music for no charge, or disassociate the Ubuntu values from the store by renaming it to "7digital music store".

3. Neither the Ubuntu community or the official Ubuntu sponsor, Canonical, have any control over the Ubuntu One Music Store. This goes against the Ubuntu philosophy/promise/spirit, which encourages contribution and participation of its users to improve Ubuntu. It's also dishonest advertising, in a way. If anyone has any complaint about the music store, for example too small a variety of music or high prices, Ubuntu will be blamed, despite the fact that the Ubuntu community and Canonical have no method of improving the store, only 7digital does. Users expect music stores to be named after the entities that are responsible for them: Microsoft is clearly responsible for the MSN music store, Apple for iTunis, Amazon for the Amazon MP3 store (but not Ubuntu of the Ubuntu One Music Store). Solution: name the store after the company that is responsible for it: 7digital, or create a new store that is entirely under the control of the Ubuntu community.

4. What has Ubuntu One got to do with this music store? Can't Ubuntu One synchronise any DRM-free music, regardless of its source? There is no special relationship between Ubuntu One and the store. Solution: I think you can guess by now :)

I would like to add that I have no objection whatsoever to Canonical pursuing profits, however, it must do so without brandishing the Ubuntu brand on whatever commercial venture it wishes to pursue if that venture violates the Ubuntu philosophy/promise/spirit. It would be nice if the Ubuntu word was only used for things the community is involved in as well, although I realise that the Ubuntu community has no control or legal rights over the trademark.