It’s been a while since we had an installment in our “Under the Gavel” series, so we bring you this specially localized Norwegian episode. When last we left our Scandinavian friends, they were unhappy with Apple’s responses to their demands, primarily that content from the iTunes Store should be interoperable on all media players.
Apple, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Dernmark have had their first day of talks today. I’m pleased to say that the discussions are being overseen by our old friend, director of the Norwegian consumer ombudsman office, Bjørn “The Norwegian Hammer” Erik Thon (that’s him at right—isn’t he dreamy?).
“Our meeting was much more constructive than I expected it would be,” said [Mr. Thon]…”We argued and did not agree on a lot, but we discussed all issues.”It’s good to see all these parties sitting down and talking, but I’m not sure what kind of progress they’re going to make with Apple holding a hard line. Unless the fees are really outrageous, I’m guessing Apple would prefer to pay them and get on with business.“It would be inappropriate to discuss the exact areas where progress was made, but it was a positive and good dialogue,” Mr. Thon said. Fines were still a possibility, he added: “We prefer to find a solution through discussions, but we still have the possibility of bringing the case before the market council.”
I guess I really still just don't understand why some people believe it's Apple's responsibility to bow to all the other competing music players and formats. Nothing is forcing the Norwegians or Swedes to buy an Apple music player or music from iTMS. Why aren't they attacking Microsoft for PlaysForSure?