In what might be an honest confession or simply another brilliant marketing move, Steve jobs produces this rant on the Apple website.

The post is a bit of a mea culpa and perhaps a backhanded diversion, looking to qwell rebeillion of Apple fans and what I assume to be growing complaints that ITunes music is not compatible on other devices. For many that embraced and spent alot of money on ITunes (myself included), the compatability issues thanks to DRM sent us back to CDs. CD’s which by the way are easily shared with others.

The bizarre part of Steve’s post is his call for a new Revolutionary war, sending the flag bearing ITunes users a call to arms to attack the European label heads?
“Much of the concern over DRM systems has arisen in European countries. Perhaps those unhappy with the current situation should redirect their energies towards persuading the music companies to sell their music DRM-free. For Europeans, two and a half of the big four music companies are located right in their backyard. The largest, Universal, is 100% owned by Vivendi, a French company. EMI is a British company, and Sony BMG is 50% owned by Bertelsmann, a German company. Convincing them to license their music to Apple and others DRM-free will create a truly interoperable music marketplace. Apple will embrace this wholeheartedly.”

I suppose this is an easy out for continued chummy relations with US media? It also is suspect given Apple has always gated their technology advantages and created protected niches to garner market share. Even as a huge Apple fan I’ve wondered how long Steve could retain these tactics as the once “challenger brand” becomes more of a market leader.

Regardless of intention, let’s hope that a few rebel types grab a sword, hop on their horses, and answer Job’s call to arms to take the labels to task. I for one would thankfully buy more music on Itunes if it was “Free” to use wherever I want to listen, spin or share with friends.