A company by the name of Bandlink (.com) is providing technology to record companies that allows a cd played in a personal computer to contact their server and relate statistics such as what track you’re listening to and when you’re listening to them. This information is then compiled into customizable reports that allow the record company to develop “User Profiles”. There are benefits listed for the consumer such as cd-specific chatrooms, concert information, etc but the question remains: What’s your price for privacy? The only indication that the cd you’re purchasing is Bandlink “enabled/disabled” is a small logo on the packaging. There is no mention of a opt in/opt out agreement when the cd is inserted on the website and none was displayed in a personal demonstration. [www.bandlink.com]
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Hey Cedric:
I can’t agree with you more. I just lost my virginity over this “Bandlink” situation on a CD I just purchased that has that very small Bandlink logo for which mentions nothing about what you’re about to encounter. One can not see the music files, and not to mention copy them on the hard drive. But yet, the purchase price is still same. I wonder if this’ll work on my 1999 car CD player?
Most certainly needs to be boycotted!!!
Now I have to get a streamripper to get it on the HD (if it’ll work)
:I wouldn’t trust any company that has such an attitude on invading privacy.Bandlinks founder Cedric Gore sees nothing wrong with his baby(I guess not,it’s making him money).When I tried explaining to Cedric that any program that sends and compiles info on people is spyware I was labeled “paranoid” !!!! Well I would rather be “paranoid” than have a bunch of losers compile info on what CDs or tracks I listen to,this info is NONE of Bandlinks business.This program supposedly does have benefits, such as info on groups,tour dates, and apparently you can connect and chat with other fans,but to me any program that sends personal info out and benefits(makes someone else rich)is still SPYWARE!!!Boycott any CD that comes with the Bandlink logo and tell dear Cedric just what you think of his “brilliant” idea!!!!