What If Everything Were Sold Like An IPod?

The iPhone ringtone pricing scheme — buy a song your already own, again, for use as ringtone — has generated a fair amount of criticism. Apple defenders blame the record companies, Apple haters believe Steve Jobs is just greedy. Then the new iPods arrived, bring their own curious limitations to the already confusing mix. One […]

iphone.jpgThe iPhone ringtone pricing scheme — buy a song your already own, again, for use as ringtone — has generated a fair amount of criticism. Apple defenders blame the record companies, Apple haters believe Steve Jobs is just greedy. Then the new iPods arrived, bring their own curious limitations to the already confusing mix. One handy way to put it all in perspective is to apply the logic to another product.

Valleywag has a hilarious little send-up on what other products would be like if they operated on the same sales principles as the iPod/iPhone. For instance, you walk into a furniture store looking for a new couch:

“How much is that leather couch?”

“Six hundred dollars for sitting.”

“Ha, I'll probably just end up napping on it.”

“Eight hundred for napping, actually. And another six hundred if you still plan to sit as well.”

“How can you charge two different prices? It's my couch.”

“It's technically our couch, and you're buying the rights. By touching it you agree to these terms.”

“Okay, $1400 and everyone can sit and nap.”

“Up to four people.”

“I think I could fit five.”

“Five would be piracy.”

Other examples include ordering food at McDonalds and buying books at Borders. If nothing else, it may be the only time Apple's pricing and music purchasing craziness make you smile.

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